J-1 visa for two trips

[beubeu 0]

Hi everyone,

I have been issued a J-1 Visa, which begin in the middle of August. Therefore, I should be able to enter the US some time before the beginning of the Visa, as specified in the applications rules, right?

Is it possible to use this visa for a few days trips, then leave the US to enter it again in a different place?

Let me explain my situation. I am currently a European citizen, I will start a semester in Arizona on August 20, and I have been issued a J-1 visa for that purpose. But I am planning to spend a week-end in Seattle on August 10-11 before that, and I will quit the US between this week-end and the semester beginning. Can I use my visa to enter in Washington (and then use it again to enter in Arizona), or should I apply to VWP or something else?

Thanks !

[beubeu 0]

Perhaps my question is not very clear.

In a simple form : can I enter the US using my J1 visa, leave the US, then enter it again in another place using the same visa? (all this during the validity period of the visa)

Thanks

[jan22 3,024]

Perhaps my question is not very clear.

In a simple form : can I enter the US using my J1 visa, leave the US, then enter it again in another place using the same visa? (all this during the validity period of the visa)

Thanks

The visa you use to enter the US has to match the purpose of your trip. So, when an immigration officer asks you the purpose on the first trip, and it's not to go to the J1 program, you may likely be denied entry. Are you from a visa waiver country or have a visitor visa? would be better to enter as a tourist -- since that's what you will be.

Once you enter and start the J1 program, it can be used to leave and re-enter the US as many times as you want, as long as you are returning to the J1 program.