As a J-1 scholar, you have a 30 day grace period following the completion of your program to remain in the U.S. to prepare for departure. Your program end date on your DS-2019 reflects the completion of your program. If you are leaving earlier than the current end date on it, the date in your SEVIS record should be updated and an updated DS-2019 will be issued.
Program completion
Your program sponsor is required to keep the U.S. Department of State informed of your activities while you are a J-1 scholar. This means that you must notify your program sponsor when you have completed your program. Once you have completed your program, you have an additional thirty days to depart the U.S.
If you choose to remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days following the end of your program, you must apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service for a change of visa status, or you will be in violation of immigration laws and could under certain circumstances be subject to deportation or be barred from re-entering the U.S. for three years.
Departing early
If you are departing ASU earlier than the time originally authorized, you must inform your department and ISSC. ASU is required to update your immigration record and DS 2019.
If you end your program early, before the date of expiration on the Form DS-2019, you must:
- Complete and submit the Early Departure eForm. The e-form must also be endorsed by a department contact or faculty supervisor to acknowledge the early departure.
- Notify your program sponsor, who is required to notify the Department of State of any early departure from the program.