J1 Visa Holders

[cwespalmore 0]

These forums were so helpful to me years ago when I married my wife. Once again, I am seeking help.

 

I have a group of friends who are in the United States on J1 visas. They are two and a half months in their one year internship. Due to the coronavirus, a lot of jobs in the hospitality industry has been shut down. As of now, they have no job and have been told their internship will be cut short. What should be their next, most logical step? Most do not have the money for plane tickets home and some are from countries where travel is currently banned. Any help would be much appreciated, thank you!

[Boiler 45,059]

I believe there is no 30 day grace period for early termination. Now I do know people who have businesses in the hospitality sector and employed seasonal J1's and their contracts included the cost of airfare here and back, now I do not think they ever terminated someone mid contract, but if they had the ticket had been paid for.

 

If they do not have any money they would need to contact their Consulate for assistance. Maybe help from home, put it on a Credit Card. If they have money they could look to change status to a B, I thought pretty much every Country was letting its own citizens back in.