I-94 “Admitted Until” Date:
You must leave the US on or before the date on your I-94. The date is indicated as D/S – duration of status (the end date on your DS-2019 plus 30 day grace period).
Visa Expiration Date:
This is not the date when you must leave the US. This is the last date when you can enter the US. For example, if you visit Canada while in the US and you have a multiple-entry visa, the visa expiration date is the latest date you can re-enter the US. Your J-1 Visa will specify the number of times you are allowed to enter, or reenter, the U.S. and it has an expiration date, which may or may not be the same as your program end date.
DS-2019 Dates:
The DS-2019 form, also called “Certificate of Eligibility”, issued to you by your sponsor organization, states your actual program dates. You can only intern, train or work in the US during these dates.
To Summarize:
- Visa is for entering the USA
- DS-2019 is for training in the USA
- I-94 is for staying in the USA throughout your travel grace period