I got my H1 on the 7th of aug, before which I was on OPT . Would I qualify for substantial presence test 183 days after the 7th of August to claim $ 5000 as being on f1 I won't be able to claim the same, if I'm right.
Or is it 183 days during a particular calendar yr?
Since I am an indian can I claim the $3100 deduction too, which would total $8100 in deductions.
Do I have the correct info or am I wrong.
Thanks for your time .

Zathura:

This scenario sounds familiar, as does your moniker.

The answer is yes. Under the First Year Choice, you can file Form 1040 183 days after 7 Aug 2004 as long as you meet the requirements specified in IRS Pub 519, which can be downloaded from www.irs.gov.