As a J-1 exchange visitor, you may have already heard about the new DHS rule that ends "Duration of Status" (D/S) and replaces it with a fixed period of admission. One part of this rule that deserves special attention is the grace period, which is the amount of time you are allowed to remain in the United States after your program ends. This grace period is changing, and we want to make sure you understand what it means for you.
Under the previous D/S system, J-1 exchange visitors were generally allowed a 30-day grace period after the end of their program, and many participants were used to a flexible, program-based timeline. Under the new rule, which takes effect on September 15, 2026, this 30-day grace period remains in place for J-1 exchange visitors, but it now works differently because it is tied to a fixed "admit until" date on your Form I-94 rather than to open-ended D/S.
Here are the key points to understand about the new grace period:
- J-1 exchange visitors will generally continue to receive a 30-day grace period after the end of their program, as reflected on their Form DS-2019.
- If your program end date is shortened for any reason, your 30-day grace period will begin from your new, actual program end date, not from the original end date on your DS-2019.
- During the grace period, you are expected to prepare to depart the United States, transfer to a new program, or take timely action to change or extend your status. The grace period is not additional program time, and you should not plan to work or continue program activities during this period unless specifically authorized.
- If you file a timely Extension of Stay (EOS) request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your grace period ends, your authorized employment may generally continue while that request is pending, for up to 240 days, but not beyond that point.
- If you leave the United States and later seek to re-enter after September 15, 2026, you will be issued a new fixed-date I-94 rather than D/S, and the 30-day grace period will apply to that new admission period.
- Time spent in the grace period does not count against the four-year maximum admission period established under the new rule.
We know that timelines like these can feel stressful, especially if your program dates change unexpectedly. Please be aware that missing your grace period deadline without taking appropriate action can result in accruing unlawful presence, which may affect your ability to obtain visas or re-enter the United States in the future. It is always better to plan ahead and reach out early.
We encourage you to:
- Mark your program end date and grace period deadline on your calendar as soon as you receive updated documentation.
- Contact us as soon as possible if your program end date changes, whether it is extended or shortened.
- Begin any extension, transfer, or departure planning well before your grace period begins, rather than waiting until the last moment.
- Review official guidance at travel.state.gov and uscis.gov for the most current information, as agencies continue to release implementation details.
During your time as a J-1 exchange visitor, we are here to help you stay informed and prepared as these changes take effect. We will continue to share updates as USCIS and the Department of State provide additional guidance.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us anytime at info@gravityintprog.com. Stay safe and healthy!
