The “D/S” notation on your I‑94 means you’re admitted for the duration of your J‑1 program as shown on the DS‑2019, not the visa sticker’s expiration date. I point this out to every new arrival because it saves confusion at day 29 vs. day 31 in that post‑program window — when did you first learn this little quirk?
I figured it out when our advisor said ‘D/S = duration of status’ and that the 30‑day grace runs from the DS‑2019 end date, not the visa sticker. My one tip: check your online I‑94 the day you land and screenshot it shows J‑1 ‘D/S’ at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov, and remember you can’t work — or safely leave and re‑enter — during the grace period. Kind of like a library book: once the DS‑2019 date hits, extensions need a new form, not a new visa.