Ending a J-1 Scholar or Professor's ACU J-1 Program

Departure & Grace Period

• J Scholar Responsibilities:

  1. Departure Timing:  Scholars and any dependent family members must depart the United States within the 30-day grace period following the program end date listed on Form DS-2019.  If a J-2 dependent leaves the U.S. before the J-1 scholar and does not plan to return in J-2 status, the J-1 scholar must notify OISVS immediately.

  2. Early Departure Notification: Report the intent to depart to the Responsible Officer (RO/ARO) if completing or leaving the program more than 15 to 30 days earlier than the DS-2019 end date.

  3. No Employment During Grace Period: Stop all work, teaching, research, and compensation activities immediately upon the program end date.

  4. Travel Restrictions: Understand that exiting the U.S. during the 30-day grace period ends J-1 status immediately; re-entry on the same J-1 visa is not permitted.

  5. SEVIS Transfer / Status Change: Request a SEVIS transfer or file for a change of status prior to the current DS-2019 expiration date if transitioning to another U.S. institution or visa category.

  6. Property Return: Return all host institution property, including keys, library materials, lab equipment and university-issued devices.

  7. Forwarding address: Provide an updated email, foreign physical and mailing address to HR and the OISVS to ensure post-program documents reach you.

  8. Tax and financial settlement: Complete tax forms as necessary and settle any outstanding university accounts. Arrange for the following year's tax documents if applicable.

Departmental Responsibilities:

• Ensure the J Scholar has reviewed the "Departure and Grace Period" section in the J Scholar Handbook 

• Notice of Departure: Departments must notify the RO in the OISVS when a J-1 scholar's academic program comes to an end, whether that's the planned completion date or an earlier date. Email Lucy Dawson or the RO with the details at lld09a@acu.edu.

• Property Return: Collect all ACU property, including keys, library materials, lab equipment and university-issued devices.

• Access Revocation: Deactivate system access, building access cards and IT credentials.