Hi,

I am a resident alien on an F-1 visa in the US, but my family lives abroad and files no taxes in the US.

My education expenses (for a graduate degree) are sponsored by my family from abroad. Will I be able to get a deduction for these educational expenses? (Lifetime Learning credit?)

Thanks in advance!

You never become resident alien on F1 visa. Please read pub 519, page 4 and page 6 under "Days of presence in the United States" You will file 1040 NR or 1040 NR/EZ.

Others here mentioned I have become a resident alien as I have been here since August 2006, as per the substantial presence test. Now this is even more confusing.

In your question you did not mention that you are in US since Aug 2006. Anyway, after 5 years on F-1, your days in US are not exempt from residency. That is in 2011 you are resident. About education credit, you can get it if you meet the requirements.