After you have successfully completed your J-1 program, you are permitted to remain in the U.S. for thirty (30) days past the program end date indicated on your DS-2019 form. During this 30-day “Grace Period”, you are no longer considered “on the program”, and you are under the jurisdiction of the USCIS. You must no longer train or intern at an organization. The USCIS grants this period to allow you to settle your affairs, travel and visit other points of interest in the USA, and to prepare your return to your home country. You may not continue your program and you may not take paid or unpaid work during this grace period. Although you may travel inside the United States during the Grace Period, we recommend that you DO NOT travel internationally – outside the USA –a nd attempt to return to the USA during the Grace Period: Your visa expires on the date indicated on your DS2019 form. With an expired visa, you will not be permitted re-entry to the U.S.

If you plan to stay in the USA for the Grace Period, for your own safety and security, we also highly recommend that you purchase health insurance for the duration of the Grace Period either independently, or through CICD.