F-1 international students are required to maintain lawful status at all times. St. Olaf’s PDSO, Caitlin Lamont Kreienkamp, is available to answer all status questions; however it is the student’s responsibility to keep track of immigration matters and stay in status. Failure to comply with F-1 regulations will retroactively place you “out of status” and in violation of US immigration laws. Students who fall out of status will likely be asked to leave the country and re-enter with new documentation. They also may be barred from re-entry for a period of three years or longer if an immigration judge or DHS finds them in violation. It is imperative that F-1 students contact Caitlin Lamont Kreienkamp immediately if there appear to be any problems related to their F-1 status.
During the International Student Orientation in September there will be a session on Staying in Status. There are also additional educational events throughout the year at St. Olaf. These events will answer student questions and help keep students up-to-date on F-1 regulations. If you have any questions before you arrive on-campus, please e-mail dso@stolaf.edu.