Travel Grace Period - J-1 Visa

Information About The Travel Grace Period For J-1 Intern/Trainee Programs In America

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows participants a 30-day travel period, which is commonly known as the “Grace Period”. The Travel Grace Period provides J-1 exchange visitors with an incredible opportunity to travel and experience more cultural activities in the country after the successful completion of a J-1 Intern or Trainee Program.

All the J-1 Exchange Visitors who successfully completed their trainee or internship program in the United States are entitled to a maximum of thirty (30) days from the end date of the program, which is indicated on the DS-2019 form.

During this 30-day grace period, the exchange visitors are no longer able to continue or complete work, and the USCIS allows them to settle their affairs and prepare for their return to their home country. More official information can also be found at J1Visa.State.Gov

Even though you are allowed to travel in the United States during the Grace Period, you MUST NOT exit the country and return to the USA, because your J-1 visa expires on the program “end date” from your DS-2019 form. You will not be allowed to re-enter the USA with the expired visa.

Your J-1 sponsor organization, Odyssey International Exchange, is able to provide you with additional insurance for the Grace Period and we recommend that you purchase it in order to be safe.

In addition to that, we recommend that you plan in advance your Grace Period and make the best out of it. It is an amazing opportunity to experience all the cultural activities and travel to all the places you always dreamed of.

If you have any questions in regards to your Travel Grace Period, kindly feel free to reach out to your Odyssey representative for more information.