Tier 2 visa extension?

[meteoricpath]

Hello fellow expats, I hope you can help me with my query. I am currently a US citizen in the UK on a Tier 2 general visa. My employer has asked if I can extend my contract for 4-5 months past my origional visa end date. I'd like to take her up on this offer but cannot find correct guidance on this issue on the UKBA site. The only information I

Comments

[nineveh_uk]

I assume that you are already on Tier 2 (general), in which case this webpage gives the information you need: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/tier2/general/applying/ The pdf in the right-hand column entitled "Tier 2 - for applications made inside the UK " includes an application form, instructions, and details of fees. If you work for a large company, then see if your HR/legal department has a visa specialist who can help you.

If you are short on time, there is an expedited service you could look into. Inevitably, though, you will need to pay more...

Good luck!

[meteoricpath]

Thanks. You are correct, I have a T2 general visa. I did look at the UKBA webpage, and read the guidance, as I say in my OP. It states in the guidance that I need to apply for a T2 extension but there is no information on how to do this other than stating that I need to be seeking an extension of the job contract I am in now, and other specifics about the type of work and pay rate. I am hoping to get information to guide my HR dept visa person, who is not necessarily clear on the application that I will need to be making (she is quite good at her part - the certificate of sponsorship and record keeping for UKBA).

To be clear: I am seeking information on how to apply for a Tier 2 (general) extension not a new Tier 2 (general) visa.

[nineveh_uk]

Read UKBA again. Page 44 of the form I directed you to clearly states that it should be used by people seeking an extension under Tier 2 under the section "Who Should Apply Using this Form":

You should use this application form to apply
for limited leave if you are:

currently in the United Kingdom and wish to
make an initial application under Tier 2;

currently in the United Kingdom as a main
applicant under Tier 2 seeking a change of
employment or to extend your leave for a
further period within your existing category;
or,

currently in the United Kingdom under the
work permit arrangements, and seeking an
extension under Tier 2.

[meteoricpath]

Thanks, I did see this. It just confused me as the guidance seemed to say I needed an extension application. There are extension applications that are different from the original application (for different visa types), I guess in this case though I have to go through a T2 application all over again just to extend a few months :( Not sure if it's worth it!