J1 Commuting from Canada

[artvandalay]

Hi there,

I'm about to get a J1 research scholar visa. I am Canadian and live about 30 minutes from the border where the school I'll be teaching at is located. I've tried looking for this everywhere but can't seem to find an answer. Am I allowed to commute daily from Canada to the US on a J1 visa? This would save me a ton of money as I already have a residence in Canada and will continue to maintain it. Seeing as how the drive is only 30 minutes, I would save some money on the rent as I'm only on a 1 year program. Anyone have the answer to this?

[paulas]

J1 usually is a multiple entry visa, so technically I think you can go back and forth as many times between US/Canada.
I would confirm with the International Office at your university/college.

[newacct]

Canadian citizens generally do not get J1 "visas". Canadian citizens do not need US visas to travel to the US. To enter into J-1 status, you would simply present your DS-2019 when entering. There is no "visa" involved.

You should be able to commute as much as you like.