My TCT waiver/exemption letter dated January 25, 2010 is for 2 years, but in 2011 Mukdahan immigration office only gave me my new visa until January 25, 2012.  I had to get a new TCT letter (another 2 years) to allow me to finish the current academic year in early March. I would recommend to the TCT that their letters should state a more explicit time frame, like including an ending date for example.  It would be better if their letter specifically said something like: “for X academic year(s) ending on March 31, 20XX.“ which is when I think many contracts end. Mukdahan immigration is only doing their job to the letter of the TCT waiver, but students could lose a teacher before the academic year ends if the TCT decides to reject the school’s new application for its teacher. Also, I now have to pay again for the privilege of completing this term with my students.  My school sadly doesn’t pay for my visa and work permit like many other schools.

Jim