18 June 2022 3:08

Tax filing for status change – from nonresident F1 to resident H1-B

How do I file taxes from F-1 to H1B?

Your file Form 1040NR for January-September (e.g., using Sprintax) and you file a separate Form 1040 for the period October-December (which you can do with TurboTax).

Are F-1 students US residents for tax purposes?

Your Tax Residency Status



In general, students in F or J status are considered nonresident aliens for tax purposes for the first five calendar years of their stay in the US. Scholars in J status are considered nonresident aliens for tax purposes for the first two calendar years of their stay.

Is H1B nonresident alien for tax purposes?

H1-B aliens who claim treatment as residents of another country under the “tie-breaker rules” of a U.S. income tax treaty are treated as nonresident aliens for purposes of calculating their U.S. income tax liability and must file Form 8833, Treaty-Based Return Position Disclosure Under Section 6114 or 7701(b).

Can F-1 file as resident alien?

Students holding an F-1 or J-1 visa are exempt from FICA for the first five (5) calendar years they are in the U.S. Once they become a resident alien under the Substantial Presence Test they are eligible for FICA tax on January 1 of the calendar year they become a resident alien.

What tax return form should I file from transitioning for F-1 to H1B visa?

form 1040NR

There is no special return that needs to be filed due to the visa change from F-1 to H-1B visa. If a person changes their visa from F-1 to H-1B they may still qualify as a nonresident alien for tax purposes. In this case, they need to submit a form 1040NR to the tax office.

Should I file 1040 or 1040NR?

Resident & Non-resident. If you file form 1040 (U.S. resident return), you must report, and are subject to taxation on your worldwide income. Non-Residents, who file form 1040NR, must only report their US sourced income.

Are F-1 visa holders considered residents?

In general: F and J student visa holders are considered resident aliens after five calendar years in the U.S. J researchers and professors are considered resident aliens after two calendar years in the U.S. H-1, TN, and O-1 visa holders are considered resident aliens once they meet the “substantial presence” test.

How is residency status for tax purposes determined?

To meet this test, you must be physically present in the United States for at least:

  1. 31 days during the current year, and 183 days during the 3-year period that includes the current year and the 2 years immediately before that, counting: …
  2. If total equals 183 days or more = Resident for Tax. …
  3. Confused?

How does the IRS determine residency?

If you meet the substantial presence test for a calendar year, your residency starting date is generally the first day you are present in the United States during that calendar year.

Is F-1 a non resident alien?

Definition of Non-resident Alien



If a person does not meet either the Green Card or Substantial Presence Test, then that person is classified as a non-resident alien. A new arrival on a J-1 or F-1 visa is generally a non-resident alien.

Can I opt to be a resident alien?

You are a resident alien of the United States for tax purposes if you meet either the green card test or the substantial presence test for the calendar year. In some cases, aliens can choose to be treated as U.S. resident aliens.

Do non residents need to file a tax return?

You must file Form 1040-NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return only if you have income that is subject to tax, such as wages, tips, scholarship and fellowship grants, dividends, etc. Refer to Foreign Students and Scholars for more information.

How do I file taxes with F-1 OPT?

How to file a tax return while on OPT in the US? As a student, you will need to file Form 8843 and 1040NR. Update: for 2020 Tax Year or later, all nonresidents file form 1040-NR and form 1040-NR-EZ (no dependents) is no longer used. Sprintax is the only self-preparation tax software for nonresidents.

Is H1B permanent resident alien?

As an H1B holder, you do not have lawful US permanent residence, therefore in the eyes of USCIS, you are not a resident alien. However, the IRS have a different definition of ‘resident alien’.

How can I convert my H1B visa to green card?

The H1B to Green Card Application Process

  1. Step 1: Apply for the PERM Labor Certification. Your employer must apply for the PERM (Permanent Labor) Labor certification in your name. …
  2. Step 2: Submit the I-140 Form. …
  3. Step 3: Submit the I-148 Form.


How long it takes to get green card after H1B?

H1B to Green Card Processing Times in 2021



The PERM certification can take anywhere between 6 and 18 months. The time for your I-140 to be approved depends on how soon your priority date will be current. If it will not happen for several years, USCIS may push your petition back.