J-1 Travel Regulations

• You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days prior to the program start date on your DS-2019. When passing through immigration, you will be asked for your passport with I-94 card (the card you receive on the airplane) and your DS-2019.
• If you are traveling prior to your initial entry and are planning to apply for a visa during your travels, please be aware that you can only apply for a visa in the country of which you are a citizen.

Traveling During Your Stay

• You may need a visa if traveling outside of the United States. You can find this information on embassy websites.
• Check to make sure your passport is valid
• Check to make sure your J-1 visa is valid
• Get the signature of the Responsible Officer on your DS-2019 prior to travel outside the U.S.
• If you have been registered in NSEERS, please ask the International Student Advisor about “Check-out Procedures.”

Departing the United States

• Check to make sure your passport is valid.
• After completion of your program, you have a 30-day grace period during which you may remain in the U.S. This grace period begins on the day following the program end date on your DS-2019. You should not leave the U.S. and then try to re-enter the U.S. during the 30-day grace period.
• If you have been registered in NSEERS, please ask your International Student Advisor about “Check-out Procedures.”

Other Resources

• You can find useful brochures and tips at the State Department's BridgeUSA website.