I came to US from India in 2011 for 2 months as a J1 student intern. In 2011, a foreign employer (Indian Institution) paid fully my compensation for my stay in US as a J1 student intern. Then I came again to US in May, 2016 to do research as a J1 research scholar and continued to live here. Based on this, 2011 should not be considered at all. I read in the IRS website that if a foreign employer pay fully my compensation for my stay as a J1 student intern in 2011, then I will be an exempt individual in 2017 (only 2016 is considered) using the "6 year lookback rule". The Glacier made me resident alien for tax purposes in 2017. How is 2011 taken into considered for my residency change? Am I a non-resident alien or resident alien for tax purposes in 2017 (assuming 2011 is not considered as fully sponsored by a foreign employer)?
