International Programs

30-Day Grace Period

J-1 visitors are allotted a 30-day grace period to depart the U.S. after the completion of their program. J-1 holders must depart the U.S. within 30 days of the DS-2019 expiration date or the program end date, whichever is earlier.

The 30-day grace period is only for J-1 exchange visitors who have completed their J-1 program and not for those who have been terminated in SEVIS. If you are uncertain if you qualify for the grace period, please speak to a scholar advisor in the International Programs Office. If you are terminated from the J-1 program you must depart the U.S. as soon as possible and are not permitted a grace period.

During the 30-day grace period, you are not allowed to work or carry out J-1 activities. Travel and re-entry to the U.S., even to Canada or Mexico, are not allowed during this 30-day grace period.