Originally Posted by
lin821
I didn't say there's anything wrong with OP's intended travel plan. What I see is OP wants to take advantage of both J-1 and VWP. By his throwing in VWP into his (2nd) travel plan so soon after his "assuming departure" (on J-1 visa) from U.S. may complicate things and raise some red flags.
Oh, I completely agree.
I also have to add more caution than in my original statement. The State Department's
J-1 website says the following:
Although participants [in the 30 day grace period] may travel in the United States, it is recommended that they do not travel beyond the borders of the United States as they may not be permitted reentry. [emphasis added]
Yaatri's comment also appears to be right but the two-year exclusion appears to apply to immigrant visas or H, K or L visas. Tourists enter under B visas (and VWP visitors apply to waive the B visa requirement) but, yes, I agree this is some hazy territory we are getting into.