Form 8843 for J-1 Visa Holders

If you are in the U.S. on a J-1 visa, you are required by law to file Form 8843 every tax year—even if you did not earn any income. This form is one of the most common points of confusion for exchange visitors, so in this guide we’ll explain exactly what it is, who must file, and how to do it step by step.

What is Form 8843?

Form 8843 is not an income tax return. Instead, it is an informational statement that tells the IRS you are a nonresident alien and exempt from the Substantial Presence Test for a limited number of years.

For J-1 visa holders:

With income → You must file Form 1040NR or Form 1040 + Form 8843.
Without income → You must file Form 8843 alone.

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Sep 17, 2025 | J1 VISA, Learning IRS

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Who Needs to File Form 8843?

You must file if you were:

On a J-1 visa (student, teacher, researcher, intern, au pair, trainee, or camp counselor).
Present in the U.S. for at least one day during the tax year.
Classified as a nonresident alien for tax purposes (most J-1 visa holders are).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Form 8843

Personal Information (Part I)

- Name, U.S. address, SSN or ITIN (if you have one).
- If you don’t have an SSN/ITIN, leave it blank.
- Visa and Program Details (Part II or III)
  - Teachers/trainees → Part II.
  - Students → Part III.
  - Provide visa type, entry dates, and sponsor info (DS-2019).
- Sign and date (Part V)

💡 Tip: If filing with 1040NR or 1040, staple Form 8843 on top. If filing alone, just mail it separately.

Deadlines for J-1 Form 8843

If filing with income → Same as U.S. tax deadline: April 15, 2026.
If filing without income → Deadline is June 15, 2026.

Where to Send Form 8843

With 1040NR or 1040 → Send together to the IRS address for nonresidents.
Without income → Mail only Form 8843 to:

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Austin, TX 73301-0215
USA

Common Mistakes with Form 8843

❌ Skipping it because you had no income.
❌ Forgetting sponsor or visa details.
❌ Sending it after the deadline.
❌ Thinking it can be filed electronically (currently, Form 8843 must be mailed if filed alone).

FAQs About Form 8843 for J-1 Visa

1. Do I need an ITIN or SSN to file Form 8843?

No. If you don’t have one, leave the field blank. The form is still valid.

2. Can I e-file Form 8843?

Not if you are filing it alone. If you attach it to Form 1040NR or 1040, you may be able to e-file through authorized software.

3. Where can I download Form 8843?

The IRS provides it for free. You can download the latest version here: IRS Form 8843 (PDF).

4. What happens if I don’t file Form 8843?

You could face penalties, complications in future visa applications, and issues if you later apply for U.S. residency or immigration benefits.

5. I already left the U.S. Do I still need to file Form 8843?

Yes. If you were in the U.S. during the tax year, you must file—even if you returned to your home country.

6. Does every J-1 visa holder need to file Form 8843 every year?

Yes, for every tax year you are in the U.S. under a J-1 visa.

At J1 Go Tax, we understand that filing taxes on a J-1 visa can feel overwhelming. That’s why we built a service designed only for J-1 students, interns, and exchange visitors. Our platform is different: you don’t pay upfront, we only charge if you actually receive a refund. This means zero risk for you.

We also guide you step by step, explaining forms like the 8843, 1040NR, or W-2 in clear language, and making sure you don’t miss any treaty benefits that could increase your refund. Many “all-in-one” tax platforms treat J-1 visas as a side option; at J1 Go Tax, it’s our specialty.

Start by using our free J-1 tax refund calculator. It takes just 2 minutes and gives you an instant estimate of your refund. From there, our team handles the paperwork so you can focus on your program, not on the IRS.

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