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TRAVEL DURING YOUR PROGRAM

During your program, you should be able to travel internationally and return to the U.S. without any problem if ALL is true:​

  • You have received permission from your host property to take time off during your program.

  • You have a valid, unexpired passport.

  • Your J-1 Visa is marked with an "M" under "Entries" in your passport. This means you are allowed multiple entries to the U.S.

  • Your J-1 Visa is not expired (SPLIT program/Extension participants, please read below)

  • Your DS-2019 Form is still valid.

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Before traveling you MUST following these steps​

At least three weeks before any trip outside the US, email  angel@aj1.us the following items:

  • Copy of your passport

  • Visa

  • Travel Request Form (Signed by Human Resources)  Click Here for Travel Form

  • DS 2019  

  • DO NOT book travel until you have received written approval from your host property and AJ1.  

 

AJ1 will confirm you have a valid multi-entry visa, allowing you to re-enter the USA.  AJ1 will sign and return your DS-2019 by email. AJ1’s signature confirms you are in good standing and continues to be sponsored by AJ1.  You will need to present this document to the U.S. Customs Official upon your return to the U.S.

 

PLEASE NOTE - If enough time is not provided to AJ1 a $25 administration fee may apply.  If you have less than 25% of your program remaining and wish to travel, more information will be requested including a written statement regarding your request. Approval is not guaranteed.

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Traveling to Canada​

In order to travel to Canada, you will need to confirm whether or not you require a visa to enter the country. Please be aware that, as a J-1 sponsor, we are unable to offer guidance on tourist visas for other countries. It is important to note that your re-entry into the United States may not be guaranteed. To ensure a smooth trip to Canada, we strongly recommend that you reach out to the relevant authorities in your home country and the Canadian authorities to understand the necessary requirements for visiting Canada. You can also find useful information on the following website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-who.asp

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Traveling in the United States

During your program, you are welcome to travel throughout the United States as you please. Travel validation is not required for domestic trips. Be sure to discuss planned vacation dates with your host employer early in your program to make the most of your time off. Any independent travel you do during your program is your responsibility and will be at your own expense.

You should always travel with your passport, your valid DS-2019 Form, and an unexpired I-94 card or a printout or your electronic I-94 record, especially if you will travel to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or any state that borders Canada or Mexico, as your connecting flights, buses, trains or boats may potentially route you through other countries.

Traveling to Cuba

The U.S. still has an economic embargo against Cuba which includes certain types of travel. Tourism continues to be prohibited according to the Office of Foreign Asset Control. The embargo affects people currently living in the U.S. including international exchange visitors. The embargo outlines if you are living in the USA on a visa and intend to return to the U.S. after visiting Cuba then the same restrictions on travel to Cuba that apply to permanent residents/citizens apply to you.

International Travel During Your Extension Period (Split Programs)

If you have been approved for a program extension (sometimes referred to as split program), AJ1 will issue a new DS-2019 Form reflecting your new extended program dates. This form represents your legal status to continue your program.

Although you will receive a new DS-2019 Form, the J-1 Visa in your passport will still expire according to the expiration date printed on the visa itself. You can remain in the U.S. for the duration of your extension, but if you travel outside of the U.S., you will not be allowed to re-enter, even with a valid extension DS-2019 Form, unless you apply for a new, valid J-1 Visa.

While it might be possible to apply for a new J-1 Visa back in your home country, there is no guarantee the visa will be granted, so please consider this carefully before traveling internationally during your extension period.

Travel at the End of Your Program: The 30-Day Grace Period

At the end of your program, you will have a grace period of up to 30 days for personal travel. If you decide to take advantage of the grace period to travel in the U.S. (international travel is not permitted), you must be aware of these key details:

 

  • Both your DS-2019 Form and J-1 Visa will be expired during this time and you are no longer eligible for automatic visa revalidation. If you leave the U.S. at all during this travel period, you will not be allowed to re-enter the U.S.

  • You will no longer be covered by your insurance - you must purchase additional insurance for travel.

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

Additional Rules for Traveling

  • If you are terminated from your J-1 program, you are expected to depart the U.S. immediately. You will not be entitled to the 30-day travel grace period.

  • Always keep your passport up-to-date. You must have at least six months remaining on your passport before it expires to re-enter the U.S.

  • You may need a visa to enter the country that you are planning to visit. Your U.S. J-1 Visa does not give you the ability to enter any country except the United States. To check visa requirements, visit that country's embassy website before you travel.

  • When you travel, you will need to take all your original documents with you. Photocopies are not valid travel documentation.

  • If you lost your passport during your program and need a replacement, you will not be able to travel internationally and return to the U.S., as your replacement passport will not have a J-1 Visa in it.

  • While you are approved to travel, please keep in mind that final entry into the U.S. is always at the discretion of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. We recommend traveling with care and being well-prepared anytime you re-enter the country.

  • Important Travel and Safety Information 

Other Important Notes Regarding Traveling Outside the U.S.

  • You may not spend more than 30 consecutive days outside of the U.S. during your J-1 program.

  • You may only return to the U.S. before your J-1 Visa Expiration Date, and your J-1 Visa must be for "multiple" entries. The number of times you can enter the U.S. is indicated on your J-1 Visa under the "entries" section:

  • Check with your insurance before you travel. In most cases travel to Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas) is covered by your insurance. Travel anywhere else outside the U.S. is not covered.

  • You need to check the visa requirements of the country you are traveling to and secure any necessary visas.

  • You need to take your passport, DS-2019 Form, and I-94 card or printout of your electronic I-94 record with you.

  • AJ1 must be notified of your international travel plans and sign your DS-2019 Form before you travel.

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