U.S. nonresident aliens filing Form 1040NR cannot use the standard deduction nor all the itemized deductions afforded to U.S. resident aliens, nor can they file jointly if married. There is no point for a non-resident alien to apply for an ITIN for a spouse if the spouse has no intention of living or working in the US. In addition, claiming dependents is much more difficult.
A visa student becomes a resident when either he/she is eligible via of the green card test or the Substantial Presence Test.
@Sam Hopi
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