J-1 Grace Period: What It Is and How Long It Lasts
Table of Contents
What Is the J-1 Grace Period?
The 30 days after your J-1 program ends to prepare your departure from the US.
Key Takeaways
- 30 days after your program end date.
- Meant for departure, or to seek another legal status.
- No work and no program activities during the 30 days.
- You may also arrive up to 30 days before your program starts.
- After program
- 30 days
- Before program
- Entry up to 30 days early
- Shortened program
- 30 days from the new end date
- Program terminated
- No grace period
- Work or training
- Not allowed
After Your Program
J-1 exchange visitors may stay in the US for 30 days after their program end date, for the purpose of departure or to seek another lawful status. An early program end means the 30 days run from the new end date.
Source: 8 CFR § 214.2(j): Exchange visitors · J-1 Visa: Common Questions for Participants
Before Your Program
You may also be admitted up to 30 days before the program start date on your DS-2019.
Source: 8 CFR § 214.2(j): Exchange visitors · J-1 Visa: Common Questions for Participants
FAQs
Do I get the grace period if my program is terminated?
No. If your sponsor ends your program for just cause, you are expected to leave right away and do not get the 30 days.
Source: J-1 Visa: Common Questions (US Department of State)
Can I work during the grace period?
No. The 30 days are meant to settle your affairs and prepare to return home. Once your program has ended, you may no longer work or continue your program activities.
Source: J-1 Visa: Adjustments and Extensions
Can I travel during the grace period?
You may travel within the US. Traveling outside the US is not recommended, because you may not be allowed to re-enter.
Source: J-1 Visa: Adjustments and Extensions
The Bottom Line
After your J-1 program ends you have 30 days to leave the US or to seek another legal status, but you may not work. No grace period applies if your program is terminated. Before it starts you may arrive up to 30 days early.
Related Terms
- Two-Year RuleSome J-1 participants must spend two years in their home country before getting an H or L visa or a green card.more
- DS-2019The Certificate of Eligibility your J-1 sponsor issues. You need it to apply for your visa.more
- Sponsor TransferMoving a running J-1 program from one sponsor to another. Possible only within the same category.more
- Program ExtensionMaking a running J-1 program longer, possible only up to the maximum duration of your category.more
- J-1 InternA US exchange visitor category that lets students and recent graduates train at a US company for up to 12 months.more
- J-1 TraineeA US exchange visitor category for people with a degree and work experience abroad, with training at a US company for up to 18 months.more
Sources
- 8 CFR § 214.2(j): Exchange visitors
- J-1 Visa: Common Questions for Participants
- J-1 Visa: Common Questions (US Department of State)
- J-1 Visa: Adjustments and Extensions