J-1 visa and Visa Waiver Program during grace period

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I am a French national and currently working in the US under a J-1 visa. This visa will expire on May 30. I intend to leave the US to travel to Central America and Mexico, then to re-enter the country on June 28 to take my baggage and leave the US on June 30. I know this is a risky situation, as I am not supposed to leave and then re-enter the US during my 30-day grace period after the J-1 expires.

Would an ESTA solve my case at Immigration?

Can I apply for an ESTA being in possession of a J-1 visa and then re-enter using the Visa Waiver Program?

(It is specified on the ESTA website that you can apply for a new authorization if, "You are currently not in possession of a visitor's visa.")






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What is the grace period for J-1 visa?

J-1 scholars are given a 30-day grace period at the end of the program. This means that you have until 30 days after your program end date to depart the U.S.

Can you stay in the US with an expired J-1 visa?

If you travel on an expired stamp, you will not be allowed back into the U.S. As mentioned above, you have a 30 day grace period after the completion date as indicated on your original DS-2019. This is regarded as a travel grace period. You are not allowed to work on any exchange activities during this grace period.

What happens when J-1 visa expires?

If your visa expires while you are in the United States, but your Form DS-2019 and Form I-94 are valid, your legal immigration status in the United States remains valid. However, if your visa has expired and you depart the United States, you will be required to obtain a new visa before re-entering the United States.

Can I travel after my J-1 visa expires?

If you are in J-1 status and your J-1 visa is expired, you may still return to the U.S. from a trip to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean Islands even with an expired visa, provided that you meet all of these conditions: your passport is valid. you have a valid DS-2019 with a valid travel signature.



J1 Visa: Grace Period Explained




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

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