Program Completion (Scholars)

If an exchange visitor is leaving after the program end date on the DS-2019, there are no formal check-out procedures with OIS. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your program or plans with USC, contact OIS.

If you are ending your J-1 visit more than 15 days before the program end date listed on your DS-2019, please submit a DS-2019 Shorten Program End Date request to report your last day at USC. OIS will shorten your DS-2019 to reflect your early departure. The 30-day grace period will start from the revised end date.

Exchange visitors are granted a 30-day grace period following the completion of a program, during which they may travel within the United States and attend to details before returning home.

The U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs began inviting J-1 exchange visitor program alumni to join the U.S. Department of State’s International Exchange Alumni website, a dynamic and interactive networking site for past and current exchange visitors in U.S. government-sponsored and private-sector exchange programs. Membership to this exclusive online community grants access to:

• $33 billion worth of grant opportunities.
• Professional development resources.
• Exclusive video webchats with VIPs.
• 20,000 online magazines and newspapers.

Members may also:

• Network with fellow alumni around the world.
• Recruit fellow alumni for projects and competitions.
• Find the latest research in their field.
• Develop plans for their own alumni association or find an association to join.
• Share their experiences with a global audience.
• Read alumni success stories, perspectives and ideas.

J-1 alumni who participated in an exchange program will receive an email invitation from the U.S. Department of State to join the International Exchange Alumni website and activate their accounts.