My school informed me that I could not renew my visa before 30 days of expiration. I plan to call immigration tomorrow but I wanted to be armed with the facts before speaking with the gate keepers of variable rules. I'd like to leave the country and return after my current visa expires, so it would be nice to renew before. Thank you so much for your answers in advance.

You are probably talkng about a one year "Extension of Stay" based on employment, not a visa. Normally applications for a new extension are made with about 30 days remaning.

Edited February 27, 201214 yr by beechguy

That's exactly what I'm trying to do. So no way around it. What a drag. Thanks for the info!

If you have proof of need to travel, in essence your ticket, they might relent if it is not too far in advance. But you would still need to renew your work permit first, before the will even consider it.

If they allow, don't forget the re-entry permit.

Thank you!