For those leaving the U.S. for more than 30 days: In addition to gaining approval from your supervisor, you must notify your program sponsor (USC/ISSS) of your intended travel well in advance. Employees must also have approved leave consistent with USC HR policy.

You do not need to report time away to ISSS if less than 30 days, but you do need a Travel Endoresement.

The validation on the DS-2019 form(s) will let U.S. customs officers know that your J-1 Program Sponsor is aware that you will be traveling outside the United States during your J-1 Program. Obtaining the signature will help you avoid delays at the port of entry when you return from traveling abroad. A travel endorsement can be applied to all travel within 12 months from the date of the endorsement.

Your J-1 visa must be valid at the time you intend to return to the U.S. (unless you are eligible for automatic revalidation of an expired visa, see below). It is important to note, even if you have a valid, approved DS 2019, issuance of a new U.S. visa by the U.S. Consulate is never guaranteed, so it is important that you consider the following:

• Usually, the J-1 Visa in your passport expires when the J-1 program ends (this may be different for some nationals, depending on reciprocity rules). 
• If your visa is expired, or expires during your travel, you MUST make arrangements to visit a U.S. consulate and obtain a new visa before you will be permitted to re-enter the United States. If you need to obtain a new visa in order to return the U.S., you will need to make an appointment, well in advance, at the nearest U.S. Consulate. Any delays in obtaining this appointment can cause delays in your ability to return to the U.S. 

Generally, a J-1 visa holder may not travel outside the U.S. for more than 30 days without being considered to have “abandoned their program”. Any exceptions must be approved, in advance, by your supervisor and J-1 visa sponsor.

Generally, absences from the U.S. of more than 30 days must be for a purpose that is consistent with the purpose and goals of the Exchange Visitor’s J-1 program.

Extended absences must be recorded in SEVIS.

There is no limitation of duration of absences from the U.S. for J-2 dependents.

If you are travelling to a U.S. territory, such as Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, you do not need a U.S. visa to return to the continental U.S., however you should always travel with your passport, as well as your valid DS-2019 and I-94.

If you are visiting other countries, you should contact their consulate to determine if you need a visa to enter those countries.

If you are Canadian, you do not receive a J-1 visa stamp in passport and therefore do not need a J-1 visa to re-enter the U.S., you will simply need a travel-endorsed DS-2019.

Your need for a visa to visit another country may be dependent upon your nationality and citizenship. You should contact that country’s consulate to determine if you need a visa to enter those countries.

Citizens of Iran, Syria, Sudan and Cuba are ineligible for automatic visa revalidation.

A J-2’s status is valid only while the J-1 is in the U.S. J-2 dependents may not remain in the US while the J-1 is outside the U.S.
For initial entry to the U.S., each J-2 dependent needs their own DS-2019, a valid passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected stay, and a valid J-2 visa stamp (Canadian citizens are visa-exempt). J-2 dependents may enter the U.S. at the same time as the J-1, or after the J-1 has arrived in the United States. Dependents who leave the U.S. temporarily must provide the following document at the U.S. port of entry:

• DS-2019, endorsed for travel by the J-1 Program Sponsor. The travel endorsement is valid up to 12 months. Travelers should carry all DS-2019s ever issued, not just the most recent one.
• Valid passport.
• Valid J-2 visa. If the visa has expired, request a new visa at a U.S. Consulate prior to returning to the US. Be sure to make an appointment in advance and anticipate delays due to security reviews.