What does it mean to be a resident or non resident?

[LinaJ2018]

What is your situation?  Visa holder?  When is your first time entered US?

[viktoriyab11 · Accepted solution]

If you are an alien (not a U.S. citizen), you are considered a nonresident alien unless you meet one of two tests. You are a resident alien of the United States for tax purposes if you meet either the green card test or the substantial presence test for the calendar year (January 1-December 31).

For more information see this link 

Determining Alien Tax Status https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/determining-alien-tax-status