Need help maintaining J-1 status

[crazygal]

Hello,

 

I am in a situation where I am in second year of Medical residency on a J-1 visa and my current DS 2019 is valid until June 2015. I am yet to pass my step 3, which is a requirement for my program to go into third year. Currently I am in dilemma where I am planning to take my Step 3 in third week of May 2015, and results will not be out until second week of June 2015. It is after my results when I can sign my contract for third year of residency and apply for new DS 2019 for my third year. 

My questions are

1. Will I be out of status after June 30, 2015, if I do not have my new DS 2019 in hand?(even if it is in processing) 

2. Do I have to go back to home country if the above situation happens, until I get my new DS   2019 form?

3. Or if I decide to take a break of 1 month in May to finish my test and still maintain status (as my current DS 2019 is valid till June 30, 2015), can I extend my current DS 2019 validity to July 31, 2015 and start my third year of residency from Aug 1, 2015?

 

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time.

[jairichi]

1. You have 30 days grace period.

2. Refer 1.