Hi,
I've been on a H1-B status since 2003. I married in 2006 and my wife was on an F-1 visa in 2006. Can we file a joint return? Does she need to send form 8843? Her income in 2003 was less than the standard exemption.
Thanks!

Yes, you CAN file jointly and she must choose to be treated as a resident alien for ALL of 2006.

In doing so, she becomes a resident alien for tax purposes in 2007, and must pay Social Security and Medicare taxes retroactive to 1 January 2007, even though she is still on a F-1 visa.

Something to thing about!