Departing the U.S.
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.
Stony Brook University is required to update the program end date, when a J-1 exchange visitor completes their program earlier than 15 days before the end date on their form DS-2019. If you complete your program earlier than 15 days before the end date, a new form DS-2019 will be issued and sent to the departing scholar through the Direct Download Link. You must maintain health insurance until your departure date.
Completion of your Program Activity
Many scholars choose to spend the 30-day grace period sightseeing around the U.S. prior to returning to their home countries. If you choose to do this, please remember that once you cross the border into another country, your J-1 grace period is over and it is no longer possible to re-enter the U.S. with your J-1 visa. If you remain in the U.S in your grace period, you must maintain health insurance until your departure date.
Transferring to a new J-1 Program Sponsor
An exchange visitor’s SEVIS record must be electronically transferred to the new sponsor before the new sponsor can create a DS-2019.
Consult with an VIS advisor regarding intent to transfer out and to determine a SEVIS “transfer effective date.”
Change in Visa Status
J-1 exchange visitors who change their visa status (for example, to H-1B, J-2, F-1, Permanent Resident, etc.) should submit the Ending My J-1 status form in accessVIS.
A VIS advisor will update the individual’s SEVIS record based on the change in status.