Re-entering after a J1 visa

[zannac 0]

I am a British scholar currently in the US on a J1. Immediately after my Scholar program ends (March 08 2013), can I exit the U.S. (to travel to Mexico for example for a week) and re-enter in the tourist status or as a visa waiver visitor before returning to my home country? I would like to spend 6 weeks on a road-trip before starting my new job in Switzerland as this is the only free time I have available.

any response appreciated!

[Asia 2,498]

You can enter the US only on a valid visa. Not a status.

You can leave for Mexico, but to be back to the US you will have to apply for ESTA and got it approved BEFORE you re-enter.

[zannac 0]

Hi Asia,

Thanks for the response. I assume that I have to wait to leave the USA before I can be approved for the ESTA waiver program? Assuming I get the ESTA without problems (I have no history of issues), what you're indicating is that I am not likley to be denied entry so long as I show that my visit is for Tourism and not for working/seeing work...?

thanks very much