File joint or separate

[sjbyul]

I currently live in the state of Washington and my spouse is in Arizona of an F1 visa, so he can be considered a non resident alien. 

I know we can only file joint if we allow him to file as a resident, but Arizona allows state return to be filed separately. Washington does not require state tax return. 

Are we able to file jointly for federal and he can file separately for his state return, but also be considered non resident alien for his state return?

Would this the best way to file for us?

[MaryK4]

You can file joint for federal and separately for Arizona.  He would be be a resident for the state return (the state does not look at his immigration status, just his domicile).

If would probably not be better to file Arizona separate- because Arizona is a community property state, you may be required to report half of his income (so you would still have to file separately as an Arizona nonresident).