Can I postpone my departure after the match?

The J visa program in the United States involves a series of steps and deadlines that must be strictly followed, as any changes without proper authorization can jeopardize your participation in the exchange program.

In this context, when you refer to ”postponing the departure after the match,” it is important to understand that the ”match” (the stage where your profile is approved or paired with a vacancy or position) comes with critical deadlines, which have been set both by your sponsor and by immigration authorities.

In many cases, once the match is made, you need to initiate or complete steps such as issuing the DS-2019 form and scheduling interviews at the consulate or embassy. Because of this, the departure-i.e., your trip to the United States-is generally synchronized with the program”s start date.

If you intend to postpone your departure, this decision must be discussed and authorized in advance by the sponsor, since changes can affect the validity of the DS-2019 or other essential documents.

It is crucial to emphasize that any change in deadlines must occur in strict compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.

If you are considering postponing your departure, the first step is to contact your sponsor or the entity responsible for your exchange program immediately. They can guide you regarding possibilities, any necessary bureaucratic adjustments, and the impacts this change may have on your visa and stay.

Finally, always remember to rely on official sources or recognized experts when dealing with immigration matters. Be careful with advertisements and promises that guarantee easy or quick solutions, as U.S. immigration law is strict and requires strict compliance with all procedures and deadlines set.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.