As a J-visa holder, you are exempt (not counting days) for two years from the year you first enter the US. In your situation, you both are considered as a nonresident for 2015 and 2016. Based on your information, during 2017, you are likely treated as a resident for tax purposes as you meet the Substantial Presence Test SPT. ( Do not need the First Choice election) You can simply file a Form 1040 like most of the US citizens. You are not a dual status. If your income meets the criteria for the US-France tax treaty, you can claim an exemption on your Form 1040.
In the TurboTax program, you would enter your income in the appropriate section, then enter the treaty-exempt amount as a negative amount under "Federal / Wages & Income / Less common income / Miscellaneous / Other Reportable Income ". You will have to file a Form 8833 to claim an exception. Per IRS, you cannot e-file, but can print and submit the return along with the form 8833 by mail.
