Earliest you can renew your membership is exactly two months before the "expires by" date (I have recent experience). It won't be possible for you to do it before then. The website might allow you to go through the motions of renewing your status before then, but it won't 'stick' and you'll get an email saying you were too early.

Why not send in your RA cert and tell them that you will be renewing your membership on that particular date and request that they start your RA membership then.

You may need to send a reminder email, but I would expect no problems with this.

Here's what I mean:

"Dear LapLap,

We are delighted to hear of your interest in renewing your InterContinental Ambassador status.

Please be advised that we are able to process renewal of Ambassador accounts only within sixty days prior to its expiry date. Our records show that your Ambassador status is valid until XX November 2007. In this regard, we apologize that we are unable to proceed with your request to renew your status at this time. Kindly re-submit your renewal details at http://www.priorityclub.com/renew, or call our office at 1 800 462 XXXX within the month of October so we can proceed with your status renewal.

Again, thank you LapLap, for giving us the opportunity to be of service to you. We look forward to welcoming you to InterContinental Ambassador in the near future."