Entering the U.S. before my J1-visa is valid? ESTA?

[ardy97]

I am a Dutch student attending a Fall semester in 2022 at a University. I have already applied for my J1 – visa in Munich and will be attending my interview the 28th of june. I just have 1 question that even both the Dutch and Munich Consulate can’t seem to answer.

My start date on the DS-2019 form is 08-15-2022 so I can legally enter the U.S. on 07-17-2022 with my J1 – visa (30 days before). I was wondering if I could enter the US earlier https://100001.onl/ https://1921681254.mx/ than 17th of July, preferably the 15th, I would be traveling the U.S. for 3-4 weeks before I start my study at University.

So, if I enter the U.S. on the 15th of July I would need an ESTA to cover those 2-3 days if I understand correctly? Or do I need an ESTA for the entire period I would want to be traveling, 07-15-2022 till 08-15-2022?

Hopefully you can answer this question.

[newacct]

You cannot do Change of Status after entering on the Visa Waiver Program. So you would have to leave the US and re-enter on J1 visa. If you entered on a B2 visa, you could apply for Change of Status to J1 inside the US, but that would take months to approve.