I got a F1 visa in 2006. I have maintained a valid F1 status through out. I also do not have any source of income all this time and have my own funding from my home country. I will be starting my OPT period from June 1, 2012.

I just realized that I made an error last year when I did not file my taxes as a resident alien and just submitted the form 8843 (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8843.pdf).

In this situation, do I have to file only form 8843 now? Or do I have to file other forms?

Also, if I do file only form 8843,what would be the best way to answer this question for those F1 students who stayed in US for more than 5 years:

"you must provide sufficient facts on an attached statement to
Establish that you do not intend to reside permanently in the United States".

Thank you!

No, you do not file any form for 2011.

No, you do not file any form for 2011.

Thank you very much for your quick reply. I was under the impression that all F1 students should file form 8843 even if they have no income and so I was confused since I became a resident alien now.

So, if I start my OPT in June 2012, what forms should I file next year for the year 2012? Do I have to file any form next year even I work as a volunteer in my college without any fixed income?

Hey there,

I am in the same situation as you (more than 5 yrs on F1 and no income in 2011) and trying to find out the answer to this question:


Also, if I do file only form 8843,what would be the best way to answer this question for those F1 students who stayed in US for more than 5 years:

"you must provide sufficient facts on an attached statement to
Establish that you do not intend to reside permanently in the United States".

Could you let me know if you find the answer? I will give you my e-mail address when you reply.

Thanks

Hey there,

I am in the same situation as you (more than 5 yrs on F1 and no income in 2011) and trying to find out the answer to this question:



Could you let me know if you find the answer? I will give you my e-mail address when you reply.

Thanks

Well, as you can see from the first reply here, it seems we need not file any form for 2011. But I still have some unanswered questions and I am trying to find answers to them.

Leave your email ID. I will contact you if I find more information about it.

Thanks. I am also trying to find out a few more things. Like, it may be a good idea to still file Form 1040 indicating that I did not have any income. It can be helpful in future if we apply for say, a green card, they will ask for income tax filing documents of the previous few years.What do you think about that?

Email me at [email protected].

Form 8843 is filed to claim the days that are exempt from residency. You can not claim exempt days.

Form 8843 is filed to claim the days that are exempt from residency. You can not claim exempt days.

Thank you very much!