Important Information for J-1 Visa Holders Before Leaving the U.S.
🗽 Leaving the U.S. After Your J-1 Program? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re in the U.S. on a J-1 visa — or planning to come soon — there are a few important things to take care of before you leave.
The J-1 visa allows you to participate in a cultural or educational exchange program for a specific period, such as:
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Summer Work and Travel
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Internship or Training
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Research or Teaching
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Au Pair or Camp Counselor
Before heading home, make sure your taxes, documents, and accounts are all in order — this will help you avoid problems with future U.S. visa applications.
💵 Your Tax Obligations on a J-1 Visa
Most J-1 participants are considered nonresidents for tax purposes.
Even if you earned little (or no) income, you must still file a tax return for your time in the U.S. — this is required by the IRS.
Failure to file can cause issues when you apply for another U.S. visa later.
🧾 If you earned income:
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File Form 1040-NR and Form 8843
📄 If you did not earn income:
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File Form 8843 only
🗓 Tax filing deadline: April 15, 2025
You’ll need:
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Passport
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SSN or ITIN
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Entry and exit dates
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Visa documents (DS-2019)
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W-2 or 1042-S (if applicable)
🧳 Before You Leave the U.S.
Here are a few key things to take care of before your departure:
📘 1. Keep Your DS-2019 Form
This form confirms your J-1 program participation — including your category, start, and end dates.
You’ll need it for future visa applications or verification, so keep it safe.
🏦 2. Close Your U.S. Bank Account
If your J-1 program is ending, visit your bank before leaving.
Some banks require you to close the account in person, while others let you do it online.
If you’re expecting a tax refund, it’s easier to receive it in your U.S. bank account.
Otherwise, you can request it by check or through an international transfer service.
Also remember to:
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Cancel automatic payments or subscriptions
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Update your mailing address with your bank
🔢 3. Keep Your Social Security Number (SSN) Safe
Your SSN (or ITIN) does not expire.
If you return to the U.S. in the future for work or study, you’ll use the same number — so make sure to keep it secure and easy to access.
⏳ Understanding the 30-Day J-1 ‘Grace Period’
After your J-1 program officially ends, you have 30 days to travel within the U.S. before you must leave.
During this time:
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You cannot work
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You cannot leave and re-enter the U.S. on your J-1 visa
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You must depart before the end of the grace period
Overstaying your visa can hurt your chances of getting another U.S. visa in the future.
🕒 Can You Extend Your J-1 Visa?
That depends on your program category:
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Summer Work and Travel: ❌ Not eligible for extension
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Research, Student, or Trainee categories: ✅ Possible if your program requires more time
Check with your sponsor or program advisor to confirm whether you qualify.
💡 Filing Your Tax Return After You Leave
If you’re already back home, you can still easily file your U.S. tax return online with J1 Summer Tax Back.
We’ll help you:
✅ File your J-1 tax return correctly
✅ Claim any refund you’re owed
✅ Stay compliant with the IRS
Our process is 100% online, secure, and easy to use — no paperwork required!