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ENDING YOUR PROGRAM AND 30-DAY GRACE PERIOD

Departing the Cultural Exchange Program:
 

In order to receive the American Journey Certificate of Completion, American Journey will confirm your departure in SEVIS and you must complete the following:

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Once these items are completed, the certificate will be issued.

 

Do not forget to:

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  • Discuss with your host property how your last paycheck will be issued and received.

  • Make sure your host organization has your contact information, so they can mail you your W-2 form (for tax purposes)

  • Ask your human resources team for a verification of employment or recommendation letter.

  • Confirm with your housing manager or apartment manager the procedures for departure.

  • Discuss with your bank if you want to close your bank account.  Many participants will leave open until the next year when they finalize their taxes.

  • Share your experience with others! Tell your friends and colleagues about AJ1!

30 Day Grace Period and Departure Compliance:
 

In most cases, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants a 30-day period to settle your affairs and travel within the U.S. after your program ends. However, you are NOT permitted to continue interning/training during this time. Your grace period begins the day after the program end date on your DS-2019 Form. You must exit the U.S. by the 30th day of your grace period in order to remain in good standing. To see if you have been granted a grace period, confirm that the arrival stamp in your passport says "D/S". This means Duration of Status, which denotes your program dates plus 30 days. If your arrival stamp does not say D/S and instead has a date written on it, you must leave the U.S. by that date, even if it is before your program end date.

If you decide to take advantage of the grace period to travel in the U.S., you must be aware of these important details:

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  • Your J-1 insurance ends the last day of your training, the end date shown on your DS-2019 form.  We highly encourage you to contact the insurance provider to extend your coverage to cover the dates outside of your DS2019, at International Student Insurance. Do not be in the U.S. without insurance!

  • AJ1 sponsorship ends on the date of the DS-2019; AJ1 will no longer be responsible for you.

  • You should not travel outside the continental U.S. during the grace period; you will not be permitted reentry.

  • You will not be able to layover within U.S. territories on your departing flight home.  U.S. territories include Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Marianas, U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.  

  • Overstaying your visa could affect your ability to apply for future visas to the United States.

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