entering the US before your J1 start date
Entering up to 30 Days BEFORE Program Start Date. Your J1 exchange student status will allow you to enter the U.S. AS A TOURIST up to 30 days prior to the start date listed on your DS-2019.Tourists are not allowed to work or take classes.eave U.S. up to 30 Days AFTER Program End Date. At the end of your J1 exchange program, you are allowed to stay in the U.S. AS A TOURIST up to 30 day past the end date of your DS-2019.