The US Immigration Service (USCIS) provides J-1 program participants the option of a 30-day travel period immediately following the successful completion of the working portion of their SWT programs. This is called the “Grace Period.” The grace period allows participants to travel in the U.S. and/or to prepare for and depart the United States. It is not to be used for any other purpose (including working, as well as departing the U.S. and attempting to reenter again during that grace period).

This grace period is NOT to be included as between the program start and end dates that you find on the DS-2019 Form.

During the grace period, you cannot expect to leave the USA and then return to the USA with your J-1 Summer Work and Travel Visa because that visa expires on the “end date” listed on the DS2019. Because of this, we recommend that participants desiring to travel outside the U.S. during their grace periods (e.g. to Canada, Mexico…) do so only at the end of their grace, and only if such participants have departure flights scheduled from outside the USA directly home (not via the USA for home).