I am in the US with a J1 visa that was sponsored by a university to let me study there one semester. Once the semester ended, I applied for academic training, which added another semester to my J1. In a few days, I am entering the grace period and I would like to travel to the US this summer. I was wondering if I can apply now for the ESTA or if it is highly preferable to wait until I leave the US.
My J1 is not subject to the two-year home requirement.