Adam95

Hello, I hope you guys can help me with this I have a J-1 student visa and my program starts on 1/24/2022. My parents want to go on vacation in the US to visit but mostly to see where I’ll be staying for the next 5 months. They have their ESTA. But my dad didn't wait and booked flights for December 25, 2022 at 10am French time, which would get us to the US on the morning of December 25. Now, I saw on the internet that I must not enter the US more than 30 days prior to the start date of my program. What was my surprise when I realized that between December 25 and January 24 there are exactly - if my maths are correct - 30 days if you count January 24 and 31 if you don’t. I know I could get into trouble if I arrive too early so my question is: is entering the US on December 25 too early? Thanks a lot for your help, I’m really confused with this

Hello, I will be studying for a semester in the US, I am filling out the DS160 form so that I can apply for my J1 visa. However I am not sure about what I should do at the Travel Companions Information step. My father, who already has a valid ESTA, is going to accompany me to help me during the first few days, but will return to France after a week. Should I enter his information at this step of the DS160 even if he has his ESTA? Thanks a lot in advance for the help. Sincerely, Adam