Studying in US under J1 Visa, also have current ESTA, can I stay after grace period using ESTA? [closed]

I will be studying in the US using a J1 exchange visa in January, but the visa expires (as well as the grace period) before my intended departure date at the end of July. The grace period expires 3 weeks before my departure date. My student accommodation is paid for up until end of July, hence why I booked the flights for this time to make the most out my paid rent. I already have an approved ESTA due to travelling to the US earlier this year, so if I change the address on my ESTA to my student accommodation, will this be sufficient while I stay the last 3 weeks in the US? I don't intend to work. I am a UK citizen.

Best Answer

No, I don't think so.

People often misunderstand what ESTA is. It doesn't grant you permission to be in the US. It grants you permission to travel to the US (i.e. to the border) and ask for admission at the port of entry, under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

So in order to use this, you would have to leave the US before the expiration of your J1 status (plus grace period), then come back and ask to be admitted under the VWP. But since the VWP is intended for short-term visitors, if they ask you where you're planning to stay, and you say "in the apartment I've been renting for a year", they may not believe that you are really a visitor, and think that you are trying to immigrate. So you might be denied entry, which would undoubtedly be very awkward.

Pictures about "Studying in US under J1 Visa, also have current ESTA, can I stay after grace period using ESTA? [closed]"

Studying in US under J1 Visa, also have current ESTA, can I stay after grace period using ESTA? [closed] - Photo of Child Sitting by the Table While Looking at the Imac

Studying in US under J1 Visa, also have current ESTA, can I stay after grace period using ESTA? [closed] - Photo Of Woman Tutoring Young Boy

Studying in US under J1 Visa, also have current ESTA, can I stay after grace period using ESTA? [closed] - Photo of Child Smiling While Using Tablet Computer

How long can a student on a J-1 visa grace period stay in the United States after the ending date DS-2019?

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.

Is it okay if my visa expires while I am studying in the US?

You are certainly not required to renew your entry visa in order to maintain status within the United States. However, if you travel outside the United States after your F-1 visa expires, but haven't completed your studies, you will need to apply for a new visa stamp before you can reenter in F-1 status.

Can I stay in the US after my J-1 visa expires?

Remember: Though you are allowed to travel in the USA during the Grace Period, you may NOT exit and return to the USA during the Grace Period, because your J-1 visa expires on the program \u201cend date\u201d on your DS-2019 form \u2013 and you will not be allowed back in to the USA with an expired visa (to finish traveling or to ...

Do I need an ESTA if I have a J-1 visa?

Individuals traveling on valid visas are not required to apply for ESTA.

3 ways to extend J1 visa I wish you Knew.

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

Images: Julia M Cameron, Julia M Cameron, Julia M Cameron, Julia M Cameron