General Information:
International students are required to notify Caitlin and submit the Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Form prior to an extended period of absence from St. Olaf College. Failure to submit this form prior to your absence could result in incorrect data being sent to SEVIS and thus causing you to fall out of status.
It is very important that you meet with the Dean of Students Office to discuss your leave, obtain approval, and discuss procedures and requirements to return to St. Olaf College (if desired). You should also speak with the Business Office about outstanding balances due and the Financial Aid Office about future awards.
You must end all on-campus employment and off-campus CPT employment on the last day of full-time enrollment.
You cannot stay in the U.S. as an F-1 student during summer vacation term if you will not enroll for the fall semester either at St. Olaf College or at another U.S. institution.
Re-entry after a Leave of Absence:
Your SEVIS immigration record will be terminated upon approval for a leave of absence. You must depart the U.S. within 15 days of your termination. Failure to do so may have a negative impact on your ability to receive a U.S. visa and/or future reentry to the U.S. Procedures for re-entry to the U.S. differ depending on the length of absence.
*If your absence from the U.S. is less than 5 months: Your SEVIS record must be reactivated prior to your reentry. You will be traveling on the same I-20, so it must be up-to-date and have a recent travel signature. You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days prior to the start date of your next semester. Notify the Caitlin at least 30 days prior to your return with your return flight information to reactivate your SEVIS record. You will need to check-in and do document processing with Caitlin before starting class.
*If you are a first year and/or your absence from the U.S. will exceed 5 months: Notify the Caitlin at least 6 weeks prior to your return. You will need to submit the International Student Certification of Finances form. Please note your financial aid package may change. Once you have provided sufficient financial information St. Olaf College will issue you a new initial form I-20. You will need to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee again because you will have a new SEVIS record. You will need to apply for a new F-1 student visa from the U.S. Embassy in your home country if your current F-1 visa has expired or will expire before your return. When entering the U.S. on a new SEVIS record to complete your program you will not be eligible to apply for CPT or OPT authorization until you have been enrolled full-time for two semesters. You will need to enter into the U.S. and receive an entry stamp at Customs and I-94 arrival form showing F-1 status. You may not enter the U.S. earlier than 30 days prior to the program start date on your new I-20. You will need to check-in and do document processing with Caitlin before starting class.
In order to reach the appropriate form, please check Forms and Resources page.