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Level 1
April 4, 2026
Question

Resident alien

  • April 4, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 8 views

Im hoping you can clear some stuff for me. So i came here in 2019 on J1 visa -> until dec 2021. Then i switched to F1in 2022 and am here until now on F1. I didn't leave the US since I got here in 2019. I have trouble figuring out if i am non-resident alien or resident alien. I have been getting mix answers on the internet. So far i have been just filling out 8843 cuz I had no income, however i was on CPT last summer that's why im trying to figure this out.

If i am resident for tax purpose - am i eligible for the school refund? Do i still have to file 8843?

1 reply

Level 6
April 8, 2026

F-1 visa holders are considered nonresident aliens for the first five years that they are in the US under an F1 visa.  If you have earned US source income, you will need to file Form 1040NR.  If you had no income, then you will continue to file Form 8843.