Non resident alien becoming a green card holder and moving to the US this year

SA841 — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 07:33:58 GMT

My husband is a non resident alien but will soon become a green card holder (marriage-based) and move to the US this year. What factors must he consider with regards to being tax compliant in general? When does he have to start paying taxes?

Re: Non resident alien becoming a green card holder and moving to the US this year

emina — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 20:36:33 GMT

Hello, thanks for joining us today!

In general, when you initially obtain a green card, your residency starting date is the first day in the calendar year on which you are present in the United States as a lawful permanent resident (the date on which the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officially approved your petition to become an immigrant).

If you received a green card abroad, then the residency starting date is the first day of physical presence in the United States after you received the green card.

If you are a U.S. tax resident or U.S. citizen, the rules for filing income, estate, and gift tax returns and paying estimated tax are generally the same whether you are in the United States or abroad. Your worldwide income is subject to U.S. income tax, regardless of where you reside.

If your spouse does not have any income, you will still be able to file a joint tax return.

Reference link: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/tax-information-and-responsibilities-for-new-immigrants-to-the-united-states

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Non resident alien becoming a green card holder and moving to the US this year

Re: Non resident alien becoming a green card holder and moving to the US this year