not sure what you googled or how your friend is legally doing it, but here is what I know, and you note that I am only providing links to the official source, the IRS. The risk of just googling is whether it is true or not.
the link and source documents clearly state that J1 visas are non-resident aliens and the stimulus rules clearly state that non-resident aliens are not eligible for the stimulus.
does this help?
1) this link is from the IRS
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/taxation-of-alien-individuals-by-immigration-status-j-1#:~:text=J%2D....
note that it states:
The J-1 visa status permits a qualified nonimmigrant alien, i.e., an alien who is not a lawful permanent resident (also known as a “green card holder”), to temporarily reside in the United States to teach, study, observe, conduct research, consult, demonstrate special skills or receive on-the-job training for periods ranging from a few weeks to several years at colleges and universities, hospitals, research institutions, as well as the private sector.
Note, however, aliens may reside in the United States to work as a teacher, intern or trainee under several different immigration status classifications, including and H-1B status. It is important to distinguish between the J-1 status and the H-1B status because the tax consequences are significantly different. For more information about the J-1 immigration status, visit the Department of State website (https://j1visa.state.gov/).
the rules of the stimulus are that to be eligible you must be a US Citizen or a resident alien, which speaks to the comment above that there are significant tax differences between J1 and H1B status
this is also from the IRS website: (click the light blue question and it will take you to the IRS website)
A1. Generally, if you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien, you will receive an Economic Impact Payment of $1,200 ($2,400 for a joint return) if you (and your spouse if filing a joint return) are not a dependent of another taxpayer and have a Social Security number valid for employment and your adjusted gross income (AGI) does not exceed:
- $150,000 if married and filing a joint return
- $112,500 if filing as head of household or
- $75,000 for eligible individuals using any other filing status
Your payment will be reduced by 5% of the amount by which your AGI exceeds the applicable threshold above.
You are not eligible for a payment if any of the following apply to you:
- You may be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return (for example, a child or student who may be claimed on a parent’s return or a dependent parent who may be claimed on an adult child’s return).
- You do not have a Social Security number that is valid for employment.
- You are a nonresident alien.
The following are also not eligible: a deceased individual or an estate or trust.
