One last question. If my work permit is still valid (i.e. my company has a work permit for me on file still in date) and only my FLR has expired, will I have any chance of re-applying?

Thanks very much for this. Will I be allowed back in the country? For example, if I contact the British Consulate when I am back in the US and they work with my employer to set up an entry clearance visa based on a work permit, will I be allowed back in to work?

Thanks again... really helpful.

Hi there, I am very interested in this concern as well. I am currently in a similar situation. My FLR has expired, but I was never on a student visa. I was on a work permit/FLR that was sponsered by my employer. I was under the impression that I had to get in in my August but it was actually July ...