Information for parents visitor visa from India

[ssm4u]

Hi,

I'm in UK on a Tier 1 General (1st extn , visa valid till end 2015) visa. I'm planning to get my parents here for a 4-5 months visit. I need some answers to the following questions:

1. Can I apply for the visa 5 months ahead of time or is there a time frame?
eg- For travelling in Apr/2014, can I apply the visa in Nov/2013der General Visitor Visa or family Visitor Visa.

3. Can I apply for a long term visit via like 1 or 2 year? I've read that it is difficult to get 1 year visit visa if you are apply for 1st time.

4. I'm sponsoring for there visit so is there a minimum fund I need to maintain in my account? If so for how long?

5. Do I need to book the ticket before apply for the passport or a tentative itinerary will do.

6. Is there any limitation as to how may days they are allowed to stay in uk on a single visit based on what the immigration officer will stamp on there arrival in UK.

Thanks for your advice. I've gone through the documents and any advice on the above points will be helpful.

[ssm4u]

Friends please reply