You’re on a J-1 visa, you worked in the U.S., and you got a W-2 (the form your employer sends showing what you earned and what taxes were taken out). Now tax season is here, and you’re hearing about Form 8843. That’s the form the IRS requires almost every J-1 visa holder to file—even if you don’t owe any tax at all. It tells the IRS you were in the country on a specific visa status during a specific time period. Without it, your return is incomplete. This checklist walks you through exactly what to do before you file, while you’re filing, and after you submit.

This article is written for J-1 visa holders who had a W-2 job (not a 1099/contract role) and worked more than 3 months in the U.S. If that’s not you, some of this may not apply.

Before you file — gather your documents

Check your DS-2019 or visa documents. You need the dates you entered and exited the U.S. on your J-1 visa. Your DS-2019 (the form your program sponsor issued) has these dates. If you’re missing it, contact your program sponsor now—you can’t file without knowing the exact dates.

Collect your W-2s. Get all W-2 forms from every employer you worked for during the year. Your employers must send these by early February, so check your email and mail. If a W-2 is late, reach out to that employer.

Count how many days you were in the U.S. Use the dates on your DS-2019 to count the total days you spent in the country. Form 8843 asks for this number. You can count on a calendar or use your paystubs as a rough guide if they show your work dates.

Write down your visa class (category). Your DS-2019 shows your visa class—for example, “Exchange Visitor (Student)” or “Intern” or another category. Have this handy; Form 8843 asks for it.

Get your passport number and country of citizenship. Form 8843 needs both. Your passport has the number; your citizenship is the country that issued it.

Confirm your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you got an SSN while on your J-1, use it. If you didn’t and need an ITIN (a nine-digit tax ID the IRS gives to nonresident aliens who need to file), check whether you already applied. If not, you may need to apply while filing your return.

While filing — complete Form 8843 correctly

Enter your full name and identification number exactly as they appear on your passport. The IRS matches names across documents, so spelling and middle names matter. Use your SSN or ITIN.

List the dates you were in the U.S. on your J-1 visa. Part II of Form 8843 asks for arrival and departure dates. Use the dates from your DS-2019. If you traveled outside the U.S. and came back on the same visa, list the overall arrival and departure dates for the visa period, not each trip.

Select your visa class and mark whether you’re claiming exempt-employee status. Form 8843 Part I asks which category of nonimmigrant visa you held. Most J-1 workers check the box that matches their visa type. Then, Part II asks if you’re claiming exempt-employee status—meaning you’re exempt from paying certain payroll taxes. Only check “yes” if you know for certain you qualify (for example, some exchange visitors in their first two years may be exempt). If you’re unsure, leave this blank or answer “no” and let your tax preparer advise.

Report your income and withholding from your W-2s. Form 8843 itself doesn’t ask for income totals—but you’ll report all W-2 income on your main tax return (Form 1040-NR, the nonresident alien return form). Add up wages, tips, and any other W-2 income across all jobs. List the federal and state taxes your employers withheld.

Double-check the number of days you report. Form 8843 asks for the total calendar days you were in the U.S. during the tax year. Count every day, including weekends and holidays, within your arrival and departure dates. This number affects your tax filing status as a nonresident alien.

File Form 8843 with your Form 1040-NR (or 1040, if applicable). Attach Form 8843 to your main tax return. They go together. You can’t file one without the other if you’re a J-1 visa holder.

After you file — verify and keep records

Save copies of everything you filed. Keep a copy of your completed Form 8843, your Form 1040-NR, and all W-2s. Store them digitally or in paper form for at least three years. The IRS may ask for records, and you want to be able to prove what you reported.

Keep your DS-2019 and passport copies. You may need to show these if the IRS asks questions about your visa status or the dates you reported on Form 8843.

Check your refund status if you filed. If your tax withholding was higher than what you owe, you’ll get a refund. You can track it on the IRS website or through your tax preparer. Refunds for nonresident aliens can take several weeks longer than for U.S. citizens.

Update your records if you’re filing an amended return. If you realize you made a mistake on Form 8843 (wrong dates, wrong visa class, wrong number of days), you’ll file Form 1040-X (amended return). Attach a corrected Form 8843 and explain the change. Do this as soon as you notice the error.

Plan ahead for next year if you’re staying on your J-1. If you’re renewing your J-1 visa or extending your stay, get a new DS-2019 and confirm the new dates with your sponsor. Keep organized records this time around so next year is faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Form 8843, and why do I have to file it?

Form 8843 is the “Statement of Days Present in the United States” that the IRS uses to verify your nonimmigrant visa status and the time you spent in the U.S. The IRS requires it to confirm you’re a nonresident alien (someone whose income is taxed only on what they earned in the U.S., not worldwide income). Without it, the IRS won’t process your return.

Do I file Form 8843 even if I didn’t earn much or I owe no tax?

Yes. Form 8843 is required for almost every J-1 visa holder who files a U.S. tax return, regardless of the amount of income or tax owed. It’s not optional. If you earned W-2 income while on a J-1, you file Form 8843.

What if I don’t know my exact entry and exit dates?

Your DS-2019 from your program sponsor has these dates. If you’ve lost it, contact your sponsor immediately—they can issue a duplicate or confirm the dates in writing. You cannot file Form 8843 without knowing your exact visa dates, so this is urgent to resolve before you file your return.

Does Form 8843 affect my FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare)?

Form 8843 itself doesn’t calculate FICA taxes, but your visa status affects whether you pay them. Generally, in most cases, J-1 visa holders in their first two years of certain exchange-visitor categories may be exempt from paying FICA. However, this depends on your specific category and history—it’s not automatic. A qualified tax preparer can review your situation and claim the exemption on your return if you qualify.

What happens if I file Form 8843 late or file it with wrong dates?

If you file Form 8843 late (after the filing deadline), the IRS may assess penalties or delay your return. If the dates are wrong, you’ll need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X with a corrected Form 8843) as soon as you catch the error. The sooner you correct it, the better. Contact a tax preparer if you think a mistake has been made.

This is general information, not personalized tax advice. Your exact situation depends on your visa history, visa category, and how long you stayed in the U.S. Use the Tax Calculator to run through your personal details and see your estimated refund or tax owed, and consult a qualified tax preparer for anything beyond a standard return.

Form 8843 is not difficult, but it has to be done right. Double-check your dates, gather your W-2s and DS-2019, and file it with your main tax return. If you’re uncertain about any part of it—your visa class, whether you qualify for an exemption, or how to report your days in the country—answer a few quick questions in the Tax Calculator and get personalized guidance based on your situation.