J-1 Visa Intern & Trainee Program
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      1. ICLS Knowledge Base
      2. J-1 Visa Intern & Trainee Program

      Can I travel outside the US during my J-1 Intern/Trainee program?

      Instructions for how to successfully exit and re-enter the US while on your Intern/Trainee program

      Yes, you can travel outside of the US during your program. We do recommend saving long vacations for your 30-day grace period once your program is over.

      That said, if you do need to exit and re-enter the US during your program, ICLS must complete the travel validation section on your DS-2019 stating you are in good standing.

      • Please notify ICLS with at least 1 month's notice before your intended travel date
      • ICLS cannot approve trips outside of the US for longer than 30 days
      • You cannot travel outside of the US during a program extension or after your program end date because your J-1 visa in your passport will likely be expired.
      • Your DS forms and SEVIS might say your program is active, but you will be denied entry to the US if your visa is expired. 
      • If your intended travel is within 30 days of your program end date, ICLS may not be able to approve your travel request. 
      • Keep in mind that you can be denied re-entry into the US at any time for any reason by Customs and Border Protection, even if you have a valid visa and active SEVIS status. ICLS has no control over their decision. 

      Instructions:

      1. Do you or your host have any evaluations due? If so, please complete them here:
        • Intern/Trainee/s evaluation form: https://form.jotform.com/70363391284154
        • Host's evaluation form: https://form.jotform.com/63403927456965 
      2. Send ICLS a picture of your visa sticker. If your visa will be expired during your trip, you will not be able to re-enter the US. 
      3. Discuss your international travel with your supervisor. Get the time-off approval in writing; an email is preferable.
      4. Send ICLS your vacation approval from your host.
      5. Send ICLS your flight tickets and/or itinerary showing the dates you’ll be outside of the US. 

      Once we receive the tickets, your time off approval, your valid visa sticker photo, and any applicable evaluations, we will sign a new DS-2019 and email it to you. You should print it double-sided, complete the signature section, and use this new DS-2019 when you travel outside of the US.