Must an International F-1 Student (Non-US Citizen) meeting substantial present test file 1040NR for first 5 years? Or can they even file 1040?

log — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 09:08:52 GMT

I'm current in 2nd year of my academic program in the US and have income from my internship. I also meet the substantial presence test.

Because I am within 5 years exemption for non-resident aliens, I am considered 'exempt individual'.

My question is whether I can choose to file 1040 instead of 1040NR? In other words, does a international F1-student in their first 5 years in the US file 1040 if they don't worry about being taxed on the income abroad?

Does I have to take the 5-year 'exemption' or can I choose not to?

No, you cannot choose to file 1040. If you stay less tha...

LinaJ2018 — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 09:08:54 GMT

No, you cannot choose to file 1040. If you stay less than five years within the US by 2018, you are considered as a nonresident. You are required to file a Form 1040-NR.

topic Must an International F-1 Student (Non-US Citizen) meeting substantial present test file 1040NR for first 5 years? Or can they even file 1040? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Must an International F-1 Student (Non-US Citizen) meeting substantial present test file 1040NR for first 5 years? Or can they even file 1040?

No, you cannot choose to file 1040. If you stay less tha...