Best Places to Live and Work in California with a J1 Visa (2026)

California is one of the top destinations for J1 visa holders in the United States. Known for its beaches, cultural diversity, and strong economy, the state offers abundant job opportunities, especially in hospitality, tourism, and seasonal work. With famous cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, California remains a favorite choice for students and exchange visitors. However, it’s also important to consider the higher cost of living and the fact that California has its own state income tax in addition to federal taxes.

j1 go tax

The Tax Moves Blog

Aug 28, 2025 | Learning IRS

U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C., symbolizing federal legislation and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act affecting international students and J-1 visa holders

What to Expect as a J1 Visa Holder in California

J1 visa holders in California often work in hospitality, theme parks, restaurants, and tourism services. The state offers a multicultural environment with large communities of international students, making it easier to adapt.

Living costs vary greatly. Big cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco can be expensive, while smaller coastal towns or inland areas may be more affordable. Public transportation exists in major urban centers, but many jobs in suburban areas may require employer-provided shuttles or shared housing near workplaces.

Best Cities in California for J1 Visa Holders

Los Angeles

Known for Hollywood and a booming hospitality sector, Los Angeles offers J1 students jobs in hotels, restaurants, and attractions. The city also provides cultural diversity and a strong international community.

San Francisco

San Francisco and the Bay Area are major hubs for tourism and seasonal work. While jobs are abundant, the cost of living is one of the highest in the country, making shared housing a necessity for most J1 students.

San Diego

With its beautiful beaches and strong tourism industry, San Diego is an excellent choice for J1 workers in hospitality and food service. The climate and lifestyle make it especially popular.

Anaheim

Home to Disneyland, Anaheim attracts thousands of seasonal workers every year. J1 visa holders often find jobs in amusement parks, hotels, and restaurants.

Santa Barbara

A smaller city with strong tourism and student presence, Santa Barbara offers opportunities in hotels, restaurants, and resorts. It is more relaxed than big cities while still offering cultural richness.

Other California Destinations for J1 Students

Coastal towns like Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Long Beach also host J1 students during summer, while areas near Lake Tahoe attract J1 workers in ski resorts during the winter season.

Taxes for J1 Visa Holders in California

Unlike states such as Florida or Nevada, California requires J1 visa holders to pay state income tax in addition to federal taxes. This means students need to file two returns:

👉 Federal tax return with the IRS (Form 1040NR or Form 1040, depending on residency status).
👉 California state tax return (Form 540 or Form 540NR).

young women reviewing J-1 visa tax documents on a laptop, using J1 Go Tax for accurate filing and guidance

Why Choose J1 Go Tax

Filing taxes in California can be confusing for J1 students, as both federal and state returns are required. At J1 Go Tax, we make the process simple and guarantee that you only pay if you receive a refund. With our “No refund, no fee” policy, we provide a reliable and specialized service for J1 visa holders, ensuring you don’t lose money to mistakes or high fees from other platforms.

Core Guides & Calculators

1. Learn everything about J1 visa taxes — our complete 2026 step-by-step guide for nonresident workers with W-2 income.

2. Estimate your refund instantly with our J1 visa tax calculator — no signup required.

3. Compare Form 1040 vs 1040NR for J1 visa holders and find out which one applies to you.

4. Understand the importance of your DS-2019 form — it defines your program, tax status, and eligibility.

Forms & Tax Documents

5. Did you receive a 1099 instead of a W-2? Here’s what to do — Form 1099 for J1 visa workers explained.

6. Learn how to apply for your SSN or ITIN as a J1 visa holder before filing your taxes.

7. Understand your IRS transcripts for J1 visa taxes — what they show and how to request them.

8. Received a Form 1042-S? Discover what it means and how to include it in your tax return.

9. Find your Form W-2 for J1 visa — and learn what each box means when you file.

10. File correctly using the official Form 1040NR for J1 visa holders — step-by-step.

11. Don’t forget your Form 8843 — it’s mandatory even if you had no income.

12. Check this J1 visa tax return example using Form 1040NR to understand how everything fits together.

Special Cases & IRS Resources

13. Missed the April deadline? Learn how to file J1 visa taxes after April and still get your refund.

14. Review official IRS guidance on Taxation of J-1 visa holders and resident status.

You may also like

J-1 Visa Taxes in Santa Bárbara

J-1 Visa Taxes in Santa Bárbara – Guide for W-2 Workers Only

|

J-1 Visa Taxes in Santa Bárbara: What You Should KnowSanta Bárbara and the Central Coast welcome thousands of J-1 exchange visitors employed by beach resorts, university programs, seasonal tourism businesses, and healthcare training centers with Form W-2 income only each year. Most employers in Santa Bárbara pay J-1 participants through…

J-1 Visa Taxes in Anaheim

J-1 Visa Taxes in Anaheim – Guide for W-2 Workers Only

|

J-1 Visa Taxes in Orange County: What You Should KnowAnaheim receives thousands of J-1 exchange visitors employed by theme parks, resort hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues with Form W-2 income only every year. The city is one of the largest tourism hubs in California, and most Anaheim employers pay J-1…

J-1 Visa Taxes in Orange County

J-1 Visa Taxes in Orange County – Guide for W-2 Workers Only

|

J-1 Visa Taxes in Orange County: What You Should KnowOrange County hosts a significant community of J-1 exchange visitors employed with Form W-2 income only across Anaheim tourism employers, Irvine university programs, healthcare training, cultural centers, and the local hospitality sector in Southern California. IRS verification systems match every Orange…

J1 Visa Taxes in Sacramento

J1 Visa Taxes In Sacramento – Guide for California Exchange Visitors With W-2 Only

|

J1 Visa Taxes in Sacramento: What You Should KnowSacramento, as the capital of California, is an important destination for J-1 exchange visitors who earned income reported on Form W-2 only through universities, healthcare programs, museums, restaurants, and regional hospitality employers across Northern and Central California. Participants work near institutions such…

J1 Visa Taxes In Mountain View

J1 Visa Taxes In Mountain View – Filing for California J-1 W-2 Workers Only

|

J1 Visa Taxes in Mountain View: What You Should KnowMountain View and nearby Silicon Valley communities receive thousands of J-1 exchange visitors who earned income reported on Form W-2 only. Participants are usually connected to university extension programs, research support roles, healthcare internships, museums, and hospitality employers across Northern California.…

Palo Alto J1 Visa Taxes

J1 Visa Taxes In Palo Alto – Filing for J-1 W-2 Workers Only

|

Palo Alto J1 Visa Taxes: What You Should KnowPalo Alto and the surrounding Bay Area are recognized in California as leading locations for J-1 exchange visitors who earned income reported on Form W-2 only. Participants are commonly linked to university research centers, innovation programs, healthcare internships, museums, and hospitality employers…