Travel & Re-entry to the U.S., and Grace Periods/Departures

Table of Contents

    • What is the Short-Term Scholar category and who is it designed for?

    • What are the eligibility requirements for Short-Term Scholar (education, purpose, activities)?

    • What is the maximum duration of stay for a Short-term Scholar?

    • What funding options are available for Short-Term Scholars?

    • What is the Research Scholar category and who is it designed for?

    • What are the eligibility requirements for Research Scholar (education, purpose, activities)?

    • What is the maximum duration of stay for a Research Scholar?

    • What funding options are available for Research Scholars?

    • What is the Professor category and who qualifies?

    • What distinguishes a Professor from a Research Scholar for J-1 purposes?

    • What teaching and research activities are permitted under the Professor category?

    • What is the maximum duration of stay for a Professor?

    • Must Professors have a terminal degree in their field?

    • What is the Specialist category and what types of specialists does it cover?

    • What are the eligibility requirements for a Specialist?

    • What is the maximum duration and what activities are permitted for Specialists?

    • What funding options are available for Specialists?

    • What is the Student Intern category?

    • Who is eligible for Student Intern status (current students vs. recent graduates)?

    • What is the maximum duration of a Student Intern program?

    • What types of internship activities are permitted under Student Intern status?

    • How does Student Intern differ from the Intern/Trainee category?

    • What is the difference between the Intern and Trainee categories?

    • Are the Intern and Trainee categories appropriate for academic research positions?

    • What are the eligibility and duration requirements for Intern and Trainee?

    • What is the Teacher category used for?

    • Is the Teacher category appropriate for university-level instruction?

    • What are the requirements for primary and secondary school teachers under the J-1 program?

Can I travel outside the U.S. while on J-1 status?

Yes. You may travel outside the U.S. while in J-1 status as long as your J-1 program remains active and you have the required documents to re-enter the U.S. 

Before making travel plans, you should:

  • Confirm your DS-2019 is valid

  • Ensure your travel signature is current

  • Check whether you need a valid J-1 visa to return

  • Notify your department or international office if your travel will affect your program activities

Tip: Always talk with your international office before traveling internationally, especially if you are close to your program end date or planning extended travel.

Important: On December 16, 2025, the President of the United States issued a  Presidential Proclamation (Proclamation 10998) announcing a full or partial ban on U.S. visa issuance for individuals from 39 countries and those using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority, with some limited exceptions. If you are from one of the countries listed in Proclamation 10998, you are strongly urged to seek advice from your program sponsor and, where appropriate, a qualified immigration attorney before making international travel plans. You can find more information on the 2025 travel restrictions on our website here and here.

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What documents do I need to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad?

When you return to the U.S. after traveling abroad, you must be prepared to show proof that you are still in valid J-1 status. Keep your required documents in your carry-on luggage so they are easy to present to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

You should carry the following documents in your carry-on luggage:

  • A valid passport (generally valid at least six months beyond your intended stay)

  • A valid J-1 visa stamp (unless an exception applies)

  • Your original DS-2019 with a valid travel signature

  • Evidence of your ongoing J-1 program (such as an appointment letter or employment confirmation)

You may also be asked to show proof of funding or health insurance.

Note: CBP officers determine admissibility at each entry, so having complete documentation is essential.

Tip: Always make photocopies (or secure digital copies) of your official documents and leave them with family or a trusted contact when you travel. This will make replacement easier if your documents are lost or stolen.

Reference(s)/Resource(s): U.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94; 8 CFR 214.2(j) Eligibility for Admission

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What happens if my travel signature has expired when I try to return to the U.S.?

If your DS-2019 does not have a valid travel signature, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have wide discretion. They may:

  • Send you to secondary inspection to provide the officer additional time or information to review your admissibility to the United States, including potentially contacting your program sponsor to confirm your status.

  • Issue you a Form I-515A admitting you to the U.S. for a short, temporary period (usually 30 days) so you can correct a documentation problem after arrival.

  • Deny your entry.

Note: An I-515A is a temporary admission given to fix a paperwork problem, not a punishment. If you receive one, act immediately and work closely with your international office to resolve it before the deadline. If you do not respond by the deadline, your immigration status may be terminated, and you could be required to leave the U.S.

Important: Travel signatures are typically valid for 12 months (or 6 months in certain situations). Always check the signature date before traveling.

Tip: Request a new travel signature from your international office well in advance of your trip. Processing may take several business days.

Reference(s)/Resource(s): Study in the States Form I-515A Overview

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Can I travel to Canada or Mexico for short trips without a valid J-1 visa stamp in my passport?

In some cases, yes. You may be eligible for what is called Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR) if:You travel only to Canada, Mexico, or certain adjacent islandsYour trip is 30 days or fewerYou have a valid DS-2019 and an unexpired travel signatureYou do not apply for a new U.S. visa during the tripYou are not a citizen of a country designated as a state sponsor of terrorism 

Note: AVR eligibility can be complex. Always confirm with your international office before relying on it.

Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 41.112(d) Automatic Visa Revalidation

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My visa has expired but my DS-2019 is still valid. Can I travel abroad and return?

Generally, yes, you can depart the U.S., but will likely need a new visa to return.

If you travel outside the U.S. (other than short trips covered by Automatic Visa Revalidation), and your J visa is expired, you will need to apply for and receive a new J-1 visa from a U.S. Consulate before returning.

An unexpired DS-2019 alone does not guarantee re-entry.

Important: Visa renewal processing times can be unpredictable, and administrative processing may delay your return.  Note that there are travel restrictions imposed in 2025 on 39 countries.  Find more information here and here.

Tip: If your visa has expired and you plan to travel, consult your international office before making arrangements to discuss timing, risks, and documentation.

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What is the 30-day grace period after my J-1 program ends?

After your J-1 program ends, you may remain in the United States for up to 30 additional days, known as the grace period. This applies only if your program ends normally. If your SEVIS record is terminated due to a status violation, the grace period does not apply.

The grace period begins after your actual program completion date, not the DS-2019 end date, and allows time to prepare for departure. If you complete your program earlier than expected, contact your international office so your program end date can be updated in SEVIS and the grace period calculated correctly.

During the grace period, you may apply for a change of status if eligible. The grace period is not an extension of your J-1 program and is subject to important limitations, explained below.

Note: If you are unsure whether your program ended normally, contact your international office immediately.

Reference(s)/Resource(s): USCIS Policy Manual; 8 CFR 214.2(j)(1)(ii) Admission Period;

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What can I do during the 30-day grace period (travel, prepare for departure, etc.)?

The 30-day grace period is meant to give you time to wrap things up and prepare for your departure without having to leave the U.S. immediately.

During this time, you may:

  • Make travel plans and pack

  • Close bank accounts, credit cards, or other services

  • End housing arrangements and utilities

  • Say goodbye to friends and colleagues

  • Request letters of reference or recommendation

  • Organize records or documents you may need later

  • Travel within the United States for leisure

The grace period is intended to provide flexibility as you transition out of your program. Your international office may also offer a departure checklist with helpful reminders.

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Can I work or conduct research during the 30-day grace period?

Once your J-1 program ends, you may not continue any program activities, including employment, research, teaching, or related duties.

All J-1 activities must end on the program end date listed on your DS-2019 (or the updated end date if your program ended early). The 30-day grace period is intended only for preparing to depart the U.S., not for continuing work or research.

If you need additional time to continue J-1 activities and are eligible, you must request an extension before your program end date. The grace period cannot be used to cover additional work.

Tip: If you are unsure whether an activity counts as work or research, check with your international office before continuing.

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What happens if I don't leave the U.S. within the 30-day grace period?

If you do not depart the U.S. by the end of your 30-day grace period and have not applied for an eligible change of status, you are no longer authorized to remain in the United States.

The grace period is provided only to prepare for departure after your J-1 program ends. If you stay beyond this period without authorization, you are considered out of status. Although J-1 visitors are admitted for “duration of status,” remaining beyond the grace period can still create serious immigration complications, including problems with future visa applications, reentry to the U.S., or future decisions by U.S. immigration authorities.

Tip: If you believe you may not be able to depart within the grace period, seek advice immediately. Your international office or a qualified immigration attorney can help you understand your options.

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Can I travel to Canada or Mexico during my grace period and return to the U.S. to complete my departure?

This is a common question, especially for short trips to Canada or Mexico. Once your J-1 program has ended, leaving the United States during the 30-day grace period also ends your ability to return in J-1 or J-2 status.

The grace period is intended for preparing to depart while you remain in the U.S. If you leave the country, you cannot reenter to use the remaining grace period time. To return to the U.S. in the future, you would need to qualify for a new immigration status and reenter under that status.

Tip: If you are considering travel near the end of your program, check with your international office before making plans.

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U.S. immigration regulations are rapidly changing. Immigration rules can change quickly, and what is accurate today may not be true tomorrow. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific immigration questions or complex situations, consult with a qualified immigration attorney.