Top 10 Countries Sending the Most J1 Visa Participants to the USA (2025 Guide)

Every year, the J1 Visa Program (BridgeUSA) allows hundreds of thousands of international students, recent graduates, researchers, and young professionals to live, work, and learn in the United States. The program is designed to promote cultural exchange, giving participants the opportunity to gain professional experience while learning about American society, culture, and values.

But a question many people have is: Which countries send the most participants on the J1 visa?

In this guide, we provide a comprehensive list of the top 10 countries that send J1 visa holders to the U.S. We will explain why these nations dominate the list, what types of J1 programs their citizens usually join, the industries where they work, and the most popular states and cities where they are placed.

At the end, we’ll also cover an important part of your J1 journey: filing your U.S. taxes. Many J1 workers overpay or miss their refunds, so understanding your tax obligations is just as important as getting your DS-2019 or passing your visa interview.

The Tax Moves Blog

Sep 9, 2025 | J1 VISA, Learning IRS

Top 10 Countries Sending the Most J1 Visa Participants to the USA (2025 Guide)

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.

3. Colombia – Rapidly Growing J1 Participation

In recent years, Colombia has become one of the fastest-growing countries in terms of J1 participation. Many Colombian students are drawn to the U.S. for cultural exchange and the chance to improve their English while earning money during their vacations.

Popular J1 Programs:
- Summer Work Travel.
- Internships in hotels and business.
- Au Pair programs.
Industries: Hospitality, restaurants, retail, and cultural childcare exchanges.
Destinations: Florida, New York, Texas, and California.

Colombians often highlight that the J1 visa helps them build professional skills, improve their employability, and connect with international communities.

4. Mexico – Close Ties and Strong Participation

Due to its proximity to the U.S., Mexico has long been a major contributor to the J1 program. Thousands of Mexican students and young professionals cross the border every year to take part in J1 cultural exchanges.

Popular J1 Programs:
- Summer Work Travel.
- Internships and professional traineeships.
- Au Pair.
Industries: Seasonal retail, hospitality, food service, and cultural exchange.
Destinations: Texas, California, Arizona, and Nevada.

For many Mexican participants, the J1 visa provides a chance to strengthen U.S.–Mexico cultural relations while gaining practical job experience.

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.

6. India – Rising in Professional Internships

India has seen a significant increase in J1 participation, particularly in internship and research-based categories. With a growing number of students seeking global exposure, the J1 visa is seen as a stepping stone to international careers.

Popular J1 Programs:
- Internships in business, finance, and IT.
- Research Scholars in medicine and technology.
Industries: Technology, healthcare, banking, and research.
Destinations: New York, Silicon Valley, Texas, and New Jersey.

Many Indian students choose the J1 visa to gain practical training that complements their advanced academic studies back home.

7. Turkey – A Strong Presence in Summer Work Travel

Turkey contributes thousands of J1 participants annually, especially in the Summer Work Travel program.

Popular J1 Programs:
- SWT (majority).
- Internships in tourism and management.
Industries: Hotels, retail shops, theme parks, and restaurants.
Destinations: Florida, New Jersey, Virginia, and East Coast beach towns.

Turkish students typically view the J1 visa as a chance to combine work, travel, and exposure to American culture in just one summer.

international student reviewing tax forms online

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.

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