I believe that you can renew this 1 year visa a month early but my question is if anybody knows what the criteria is for renewal if you won't be in the country when it expires

This is my tenth year and have renewed early many times but may be faced with the situation of being out before the one month before and will return possibly over one month after it expires. Any help will be most appreciated. Thank FF

There is not and never has been a retirement "visa" so I presume that what is being asked about is an extension of stay based on retirement.

If you are not able to renew your extension in good time then you will have to obtain a new non "O" Visa and begin the process of obtaining an extension of stay from the beginning.

Some immigration offices now allow you to apply for your extension of stay (it is not a visa) up to 45 days early. You should check with your local office to see what their policy is.

Some immigration offices now allow you to apply for your extension of stay (it is not a visa) up to 45 days early. You should check with your local office to see what their policy is.

Thanks you Joe bone I just went to the Im office and first person told me only 30 days before but she referred me to a senior person who said they just changed this and you can in fact renew 45 days in advance now. Thanks for the help. Fords Forever