The Tax Moves Blog

1. China – The Largest Source of J1 Participants

China has consistently ranked as the number one source of J1 visa participants for years. With a growing middle class and a strong demand for international experience, Chinese students and graduates see the J1 visa as a gateway to global opportunities.

• Popular J1 Programs:

  • Research Scholars and Professors (academic institutions).

  • Internships and Trainee programs in business and technology.

  • Summer Work Travel (SWT) in hospitality and tourism.

• Industries: Technology companies, universities, resorts, and cultural institutions.

• Destinations: Major metropolitan areas such as New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and university towns across the U.S.

Chinese participants are also known for building long-term professional relationships through J1 programs, which strengthens cultural and educational ties between China and the U.S.

2. Brazil – Leading in Summer Work Travel

Brazil is one of the biggest contributors to the Summer Work Travel (SWT) program, sending tens of thousands of university students to the U.S. each summer.

• Popular J1 Programs:

  • Summer Work Travel (most common).

  • Internships in tourism and hospitality.

• Industries: Hotels, amusement parks, restaurants, ski resorts, and beach towns.

• Destinations: Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and California.

Brazilian students see the J1 program not just as work, but also as a way to travel across the U.S., improve English skills, and return home with international experience that stands out in their resumes.

5. Germany – Structured Internships and Traineeships

Germany is among the top European contributors to the J1 visa, with students and professionals eager to complete structured training programs abroad.

• Popular J1 Programs:

  • Internships in engineering, business, and science.

  • Traineeships in hospitality and tourism.

  • Research scholar exchanges.

• Industries: Engineering firms, luxury hotels, academic institutions, and resorts.

• Destinations: New York, Boston, Chicago, and California.

German participants often choose J1 programs as part of their university requirements, making them highly motivated and career-focused.

8. Ukraine – Cultural Exchange Despite Challenges

Despite political and economic challenges, Ukraine continues to send large numbers of students to the U.S. through J1 programs.

• Popular J1 Programs:

  • Summer Work Travel.

  • Internships in hospitality.

• Industries: Resorts, tourism, and seasonal jobs.

• Destinations: Florida, Wisconsin, Colorado ski resorts, and Midwest cities.

Ukrainian participants are highly valued in the hospitality industry for their adaptability and eagerness to learn.

9. Spain – Combining Work and Culture

Spain is another European country with strong J1 participation, particularly in hospitality and business-related programs.

• Popular J1 Programs:

  • Internships in business and tourism.

  • Traineeships in hospitality management.

• Industries: Hotels, tourism, and international business.

• Destinations: New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and California wine regions.

Spanish students often choose the U.S. to enhance both their English skills and career opportunities.

10. France – Culinary Arts and Hospitality Internships

France has a long tradition of sending J1 participants, especially those interested in culinary and hospitality careers.

• Popular J1 Programs:

  • Culinary internships.

  • Trainee programs in luxury resorts.

  • Research scholars in science and art.

• Industries: Culinary arts, hotel management, academic research.

• Destinations: California, New York, Las Vegas, and luxury ski resorts.

French J1 visa holders often bring a strong cultural and professional background, enriching the exchange experience for U.S. institutions.

Why J1 Visa Participants From All Countries Must File Taxes

Whether you are from China, Brazil, Colombia, or Germany, once you work in the U.S. with a J1 visa, you will receive a W-2 form from your employer at the end of the year. This means you are required to file U.S. taxes.

Many J1 visa holders overpay because they:

• ❌ File with USCIS instead of the IRS.

• ❌ Use the wrong tax form (1040 instead of 1040-NR).

• ❌ Ignore state tax requirements in places like New York or California.

• ❌ Fail to claim refunds even though money was withheld from their paychecks.

At J1 Go Tax, we specialize in helping international workers like you file correctly:

• ✅ Focus only on J1 visa holders.

• ✅ “No refund = No fee” policy.

• ✅ Multilingual support (English, Spanish, Portuguese, and more).

Filing correctly ensures you avoid legal issues, get your rightful refund, and finish your exchange program stress-free.

Final Thoughts

The J1 visa program is one of the most powerful cultural exchange initiatives in the world. Whether you’re from Asia, Latin America, or Europe, the opportunity to work and learn in the U.S. creates lasting friendships, professional skills, and cultural connections.

If you’re part of the top 10 countries listed above—or any other nation participating in the J1 visa program—remember that your experience goes beyond work. It’s about cultural exchange, building bridges, and shaping your future career.

And don’t forget: filing your U.S. taxes is part of the process. With the right guidance, it’s simple and stress-free.

👉 Ready to claim your refund? File your J1 taxes with J1 Go Tax today.

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.

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