[toka555]

I am an international student on a F-1 visa and its been more than 1 year since I am here. I have worked for on campus jobs and recently filed my tax returns as non resident alien. My friends from the same country filed as resident aliens and got way better tax returns.
Are F-1 students eligible to file as resident alien? I was thinking F-1 students was not eligible for the Substantial Presence test . What happens if my friends wrongly filed as resident aliens? Will they be in serious trouble or did I make a mistake by filing as non resident alien and getting very low tax returns. They got back a lot.

Help

[MukatA]

On F1 you are exempt from residency for 5-years. You must file non-resident tax return Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ and Form 8843. Your income is not subject to FICA taxes but you must pay federal and state income taxes.

On your income you will get deduction based on tax treaty between the U.S. and your country.
Read: Your U.S. Tax Return: U.S. Tax Filing Requirements for Non-Residents