Individuals in J-1 status (and their dependent family members) have an automatic 30-day grace period after the end date of their J program during which they may remain in the United States. However, they are not allowed to work during the grace period. If they need more time to complete their research at Temple, they must obtain an extension of Form DS-2019.

The purpose of the grace period is to allow exchange visitors to settle their affairs and to prepare to return to their home country, and to travel. Exchange visitors may no longer continue and/or complete exchange activities, nor may they work. Although they may travel in the United States, it is recommended that they do not travel outside the United States as they may not be permitted reentry.

Keep ALL visa documents (e.g. Forms DS-2019 / I-94 record) in a safe place. You may be asked to provide copies of these documents in the future if you apply for a new benefit with USCIS, if you apply for U.S. Legal Permanent Residence (Green Card) or if you depart and then return to the United States.

If an exchange visitor is terminated from his or her exchange visitor program, they are expected to leave the country immediately and are not eligible for the 30 day grace period.

Read about transferring to a new school here.

An exchange visitor may transfer between programs as long as:

• The Exchange Visitor (EV) is maintaining J1 status with current program sponsor;
• The purpose of the transfer is to complete the objective, and is consistent with, the goals for which the EV was admitted to exchange visitor status;
• The EV remains within the same participant program category;
• There can be no gap between the transfer effective date set by the transfer-out program and the new program begin date;
• The transfer will not extend the exchange visitor's stay beyond the permissible time for EV's J-1 category.