Going to Mexico and RE-ENTER THE U.S with an expired J-1 visa (but 30 more days allowed on the territory)?

Question

I am writing this message hoping someone would help me out and tell me some good news.

I am actually an exchange student in the U.S and my nationality is French. My J-1 visa expired today but I am allowed to stay on the territory for 30 more days.

I was planning to go to Mexico but I just was informed that if I go I will not be able to re-enter the U.S, because my visa has expired.

I really want to go to Mexico but it seems I would have to get a tourist visa so I can come back in the U.S to take my plane and go back to France.

My question is if someone knows where I have to ask for a visa. I am French and normally do not need any visa to go to the U.S for 30 days because of the exemption program. But I think the whole J-1 visa thing complicates everything.

Answer 1

You can go to Mexico, no problem, If and when you return to the us it will not matter as you have not violated your j1 requirements .

Go immediately  and when you reenter the U.S.A with your story and ticket to France in hand and a passport of course, you will e given an I 94 visa waiver form . it is just a record of your coming and going and you will have to turn it in when you go back to France.(Good for 90

days)

You will be frowned upon if you stay in the U.S ILLEGALLY as  is now your current status.