when i renewed my work permit (flr to another flr) i called 3 weeks before to set up the in-person appointment. when i went the first time, i didn't realize that i needed a renewel letter (is that what it's called?) from the work permit office first. that's what the home office bases the FLR on. does that make sense? anyway- i walked away from croydon the first time sans FLR. my employer talked to the work permit people, got a renewal letter, and then i returned to croydon again in 2 weeks time to finally get my FLR stamp. have fun!