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Hey I need some help regarding my visas J-1 and B-2.
I am an Australian student who just completed a exchange program with the University of Cincinnati on a J-1 exchange visitor visa. I have my DS-2019 form for this visa which states that the form covered the period December 27th 2010 to the 20th of March 2011. I know that there is a 30-day grace period which follows the end of this form which is why I applied for a B-2 tourist visa back home in Melbourne, Australia. Oh, forgot to add that the two year rule does not apply for me.
In my interview, I did indicate that I wanted to continue travelling after my course which is why a B-2 visa was issued to me. At the embassy, I was told that to change my status I had to depart the United States to either Canada or Mexico, and then return to the United States on my B-2 visa. This was further re-inforced by the University of Cincinnati International office which also stated that I had to leave and return on my B2 Visa. After finishing my program, I flew to Toronto, Canada.
However, this situation was brought to my attention today when at the Niagara Falls border attempting to come back into the US through Buffalo, New York, the United States border patrol stated that my B-2 visa is in fact invalid as I have to make a 'meaningful departure' which they stated was actually going back home to Melbourne, Australia on the 20th of April which is the 30-day cut off and then come back to the United States on my B-2 visa. The Border Patrol Officer then placed a new I-94 card in my passport with a new J-1 status.
After finding this information out, I contacted the U.S Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) and I spoke with a lady and she further added that I had to depart the United States either to Canada or Mexico perhaps and then return on my B-2 visa. I query now, is departing to Toronto, Canada classified as departing the United States? If someone could please let me know as soon as possible what to do! Do I return to the US on a B-2 tourist visa, now that my J-1 visa has officially expired?
I am an Australian student who just completed a exchange program with the University of Cincinnati on a J-1 exchange visitor visa. I have my DS-2019 form for this visa which states that the form covered the period December 27th 2010 to the 20th of March 2011. I know that there is a 30-day grace period which follows the end of this form which is why I applied for a B-2 tourist visa back home in Melbourne, Australia. Oh, forgot to add that the two year rule does not apply for me.
In my interview, I did indicate that I wanted to continue travelling after my course which is why a B-2 visa was issued to me. At the embassy, I was told that to change my status I had to depart the United States to either Canada or Mexico, and then return to the United States on my B-2 visa. This was further re-inforced by the University of Cincinnati International office which also stated that I had to leave and return on my B2 Visa. After finishing my program, I flew to Toronto, Canada.
However, this situation was brought to my attention today when at the Niagara Falls border attempting to come back into the US through Buffalo, New York, the United States border patrol stated that my B-2 visa is in fact invalid as I have to make a 'meaningful departure' which they stated was actually going back home to Melbourne, Australia on the 20th of April which is the 30-day cut off and then come back to the United States on my B-2 visa. The Border Patrol Officer then placed a new I-94 card in my passport with a new J-1 status.
After finding this information out, I contacted the U.S Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) and I spoke with a lady and she further added that I had to depart the United States either to Canada or Mexico perhaps and then return on my B-2 visa. I query now, is departing to Toronto, Canada classified as departing the United States? If someone could please let me know as soon as possible what to do! Do I return to the US on a B-2 tourist visa, now that my J-1 visa has officially expired?
