Travel period

The purpose of your J-1 program is for cultural purposes. Signing your Work Agreement means that you have agreed to complete the terms of your program. This means you may not have the additional 30 day travel period depending on when your work opportunity ends and when your official university program begins.

Check to see what the end date is on your DS-2019 Form (listed in Box 3).
The end date listed is the last date that you are legally able to work in the U.S. No work is allowed after this date.
Inspect your I-94 printout to make sure it is marked with “Class of Admission: J-1” and “Admit until date: D/S.”

If all the above conditions are met, then your 30 day travel period begins the day your DS-2019 Form expires. If your I-94 has a specific “Admit until Date,” you must leave the U.S. by that date. If you leave the U.S. after your program end date during your travel period, you will not be permitted to re-enter the U.S.

You are not allowed to miss the first scheduled day of classes according to your university’s official academic calendar even if you were granted permission by your university. A university cannot override this regulation so you can remain in the U.S. longer. This may mean that your travel period will be less than 30 days.
Overstaying your visa can carry serious consequences which may affect your future visits to the U.S. Any attempt to remain in the U.S. (including change of status, waiver objection requests, program extensions, etc) is considered abuse of the program and will be reported to the Department of Homeland Security as required.
Working during the 30 day travel period is strictly prohibited.
The U.S. government requires all participants to be insured for the duration of their program. Failure to maintain insurance is a violation of your program and will result in the termination of your program even if your program has ended.