I have a valid Work permit and a nonimmigrant visa which expires July 21, but I have not worked long enough to file for the one year extension. I must return home before I can file for the one year and planned to do this around the same time my visa expires. My plan is to get a new nonimmigrant before my current one expires so that I do not lose my WP. My question is this. If I get a new visa before the 21st, but do not actually activate it by entering Thailand, do I risk losing my WP? I will not renter Thailand for at least 3 weeks. Or must I get the new visa, activate the new visa by the 21st, by entering Thailand, and then get a reentry permit before returning home.

I was hoping I could get the new nonimmigrant on my way home and not have to go out and come back in right before leaving to go home. I would appreciate your advice Urban Joe. Thanks very much.

You can get the non-b while out of the country. As long a you are not in the country without a non immigrant visa entry your work permit will remain valid.

Thank you very much for your reply. Does it matter if I get the new nonimmigrant before the old ones expires then, if I am out of the country?

Since you probably only had a single entry non-b visa it has already expired for all intents and purposes.

You can apply for another one without a problem as long as you have your work permit and other supporting documents.

Thank you

Important point - when does your WP expire?

It's not clear from what you write as to if your WP also expires on the 21st July.

Your employer must always file to renew a WP before it's expiry date or it will be lost - doesn't matter if you don't yet have your new visa/90 day entry, this can always be shown to Labour to get your new WP after you enter Thailand and will be so noted on the WP5 Renewal Receipt.