Leaving the United States

You must always extend your DS-2019 in a timely manner unless you intend to end your J-1 visa status.

• Unless you are on vacation/international travel, your J-1 visa status will stop if you do not participate at your assigned Partners hospital at least 35 hours per week.
• Your J "30-day grace period" begins if you do not participate at your assigned Partners hospital at least 35 hours per week. During the "grace period," you can travel within the U.S., gather your belongings, and arrange to leave the country.
• You cannot continue your research, work, earn money from a U.S. source, or transfer your J-1 visa status during your 30-day “grace period.” 
• J-2 dependent family may stay in the U.S. with you during the “grace period.”
• J-1s and J-2s cannot travel internationally and then reenter the US in J visa status during the "grace period."

The J-1 and J-2 family must depart the U.S. during the "grace period" unless a valid change of visa status was requested.