Hello,
I purchase a house last year 2009. I qualifies every condition of first time home buyer credit except that I am a non-residential alien because I just got my H1B last Oct. My question is: can I file for the credit in next tax year (2010) to get the $8000? Because by then I will be a residential alien.
Thanks for letting me know,
Best regards,

Nonresidents do not get the credit. On the date of purchase, you are nonresident.
If you are married, as first year choice you can file joint return for 2009 as married after you complete SPT in 2010. Claim homebuyer credit.