Stay in US on J-1 visa after quitting job? [closed]

My girlfriend currently works as an intern in California on a J-1 visa. The internship (and thus the visa) ends Jan 31 next year.

If she were to quit her job before the end of the internship, what would happen to her immigration status? Does it depend on the action of her employer?

More specifically, the idea is stay for another 1-2 months to work on her job applications and participate in online courses, while living in our apartment and traveling for a bit (my visa is completely independent of her's).

I'm aware of the 4-week grace period after ending the job, but ideally we were looking to spend another 6-8 weeks. Furthermore, leaving and re-entering the US (on the visa waiver program) is not an option due to the expensive flights.

visas usa

Best Answer

If she quits her job, or her program comes to an end in any other way, she will no longer be in status. The employer is required to report (via SEVIS) that the program has come to an end.

After this occurs, the visa holder has a 30-day grace period to leave the country. If they stay longer than this it counts as an overstay.

You say that leaving and re-entering isn't an option, but a flight to Mexico or Canada is likely to be cheaper than the other option, which is to change status within the US. If she does leave and re-enter (or change to B visitor status), she should make sure she's only planning to do activities permitted under the VWP.

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Can I quit my job on a J-1 visa?

While your J-1 visa allows you to be away from the United States during your program, you must strictly adhere to the travel regulations guiding your program. Before leaving the U.S. on J-1 status, you must get a travel validation authorization signature on your Certificate of Eligibility (DS-2019).

Can you stay in the US with an expired J-1 visa?

If you are in J-1 status and your J-1 visa is expired, you may still return to the U.S. from a trip to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean Islands even with an expired visa, provided that you meet all of these conditions: your passport is valid. you have a valid DS-2019 with a valid travel signature.

Can you overstay J-1 visa?

Staying in the U.S. beyond your allowable grace period is also a violation of J-1 regulations. If your SEVIS (or DS-2019) is terminated OR you overstay your grace period, you could be accruing unlawful presence. This can lead to arrest and deportation proceedings.

How long can you stay in the US after J-1 visa expires?

Grace Period: J-1 Visa Holders have a 30 day grace period after the end date on their DS-2019 Form. The Grace Period is a benefit of the J-1 status to allow J-1 visa holders time after their status to remain in the US. Grace Period time can be used: To travel domestically (within the United States)

Employment-Based Options For J-1 Visa Holders Who Want To Stay In US

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