I received a three-month non-immigrant visa in Los Angeles in September and arrived back in Thailand in October. I work with a large manufacturing company, and we have applied for a work permit.

Since, then, I have been back to the US for a trade show, over to the Middle East, and down to Singapore and Indonesia, all for work. My work permit was delayed because I needed my Ph.D. diploma, and now things are moving along (our facility just got inspected this week).

THe problem is that I have to return to the US for a scheduled operation before the work permit will be issued, and I cannot get my visa extended to a one-year visa until I have the permit in hand. When I was in Los Angeles, the consular officer told me I had to get my permit before the three months was up. I took this to mean that my visa would expire after three months. However, now I am being told by our staff that the visa is still good; it is just that until I get it extended to a one-year visa, I can only stay for 90 days in one shot.

I will be back in late January, more than three months after my visa was issued. My question is whether I have to apply for a new visa, or would my current one be valid? I do not see an expiration date on this one, just the date of issue.

If you have been traveling you most likley have a one year multi entry non immigrant O visa. What does the visa say? If it is valid for one year (each stay valid for up to 90 days) you are fine and can return using it to obtain another 90 day permitted to stay stamp.

I will be back in late January, more than three months after my visa was issued. My question is whether I have to apply for a new visa, or would my current one be valid? I do not see an expiration date on this one, just the date of issue.

Example: you apply for and receive a single entry Non O visa. You must enter Thailand before the visa expires, ie; 3 months from date of issue.

Upon entry your passport is stamped, you then have 3 months in Thailand from the date stamped in your passport.

Always check the date at Immigration....it may not be correct and require 'polite negotiation' on your part!

Good luck.