Form W-2 for J-1 Visa Holders

If you worked in the U.S. on a J-1 visa, one of the most important documents you’ll receive is Form W-2. This form is issued by your employer and summarizes the wages you earned and the taxes withheld during the year. You’ll need it to correctly file your Form 1040NR (or Form 1040 if you qualify as a resident for tax purposes) along with Form 8843.

👉 For a complete overview of J-1 visa taxes, see our step-by-step guide.
👉 If you’re filing your return, don’t miss our detailed guides to Form 1040NR and Form 8843.

The Tax Moves Blog

Sep 17, 2025 | J1 VISA, Learning IRS

👉 Start now with our free J-1 Visa Refund Calculator.

What is Form W-2?

Form W-2, officially called the “Wage and Tax Statement,” is provided by your employer after the end of the tax year (usually by January 31). It shows:

Total wages earned (Box 1)
Federal income tax withheld (Box 2)
State income tax withheld (Boxes 17 and 19)
Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld (Boxes 4 and 6) – in most cases, J-1 visa holders should be exempt from FICA taxes

This form is essential for preparing your tax return because it tells the IRS how much tax has already been taken from your paycheck.

Why the W-2 Matters for J-1 Visa Holders

As a J-1 student, intern, or trainee, your W-2 often determines whether you are due a refund. Since most J-1 workers are exempt from certain taxes (like FICA) and qualify for treaty benefits, employers often withhold more than necessary. Filing your return allows you to claim that money back.

What If I Don’t Receive My W-2?

Sometimes employers are late or make mistakes. If you don’t receive your W-2 by mid-February:

Contact your employer’s HR or payroll department.
Check if you can download it from your employer’s payroll portal.
If you still don’t get it, you can request a Wage Transcript directly from the IRS.

👉 This is why it’s a good idea to create an IRS online account and wait until your wage transcripts are uploaded before filing your return. That way, you avoid errors and delays.

W-2 vs 1042-S: What’s the Difference?

W-2 → issued for wages and employment income.
1042-S → issued for scholarships, fellowships, or stipends subject to U.S. tax.

Many J-1 holders receive one or both forms, depending on their situation.

How to Use Your W-2 When Filing Taxes

If you have a W-2, you’ll generally file Form 1040NR + Form 8843.
Report the wages from Box 1 of your W-2.
Claim any eligible treaty exemptions to reduce taxable income.
Compare the federal tax withheld (Box 2) with your actual tax liability.
If too much was withheld, you’ll receive a refund.

Deadlines

April 15, 2026: Tax deadline if you had a W-2 and earned wages.
June 15, 2026: Deadline if you only need to file Form 8843 (no income).

J1 Go Tax

At J1 Go Tax, we specialize in helping J-1 visa holders file their taxes the right way. Whether you have a W-2, a 1042-S, or both, we’ll make sure you don’t miss deductions or treaty benefits. Best of all: if you don’t get a refund, you don’t pay.

Try our free J-1 refund calculator to instantly see how much you could get back.