Stimulus Checks: Eligibility Criteria For International Students

International students' eligibility for stimulus checks in the US has been a subject of debate. While some sources indicate that non-residents are ineligible for stimulus checks, there are certain criteria that, if met, may allow international students to be eligible for these payments. These criteria include having a valid Social Security Number (SSN), filing tax returns, and meeting the “Substantial Presence Test” to be considered a resident for tax purposes. The eligibility also depends on factors such as income, age, and taxpayer status. It is recommended that international students refer to the official IRS guidelines and consult tax professionals for accurate and up-to-date information regarding their specific circumstances.

Are international students eligible for stimulus checks?

International students with F1 visas

Firstly, international students must meet the 'Substantial Presence Test' to be considered a resident alien for tax purposes. This test requires that the student has spent at least 31 days in the US during the current year and 183 days over the current year and the two preceding years.

Secondly, to be eligible for a stimulus check, one must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) and have filed their tax returns. It is important to note that non-residents should not file a 1040 form, as this will make them ineligible for stimulus payments.

If an international student with an F1 visa meets the requirements of the Substantial Presence Test and has a valid SSN, they may be eligible for a stimulus check. However, it is always recommended to consult with a tax expert to determine one's specific eligibility, as there may be additional criteria or considerations.

International students as taxpayers

International students in the USA are required to file a tax return. This is mandatory, and not doing so by the deadline could result in problems with or a revocation of your visa, as well as possible ineligibility for a green card.

International students with an F, J, or M visa who have been in the USA for less than five calendar years are considered non-resident aliens for tax purposes. Non-resident aliens are not eligible for the stimulus check. However, some F-1 visa holders can be considered residents for tax purposes only. International students who are considered residents for tax purposes may be eligible for the stimulus check.

To be considered a resident for tax purposes, an international student must pass the Substantial Presence Test. This means spending 31 days in the US during the current year and 183 days during the three-year period, including the current year and the two years immediately before.

International students who are residents for tax purposes and meet certain other criteria will be eligible for the stimulus check. They must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) and have filed their tax returns.

International students as resident aliens

International students are typically considered "non-resident aliens" for tax purposes and are therefore not eligible for stimulus checks. However, some international students may be classified as "resident aliens" for tax purposes and may qualify for stimulus payments if they meet certain requirements.

To be considered a "resident alien" for tax purposes, international students must pass the Substantial Presence Test. This test takes into account the number of days an individual has been present in the United States during the current year and the two preceding years. Specifically, an international student must have spent at least 31 days in the US during the current year and a total of 183 days over the three-year period, including the current year and the two previous years.

International students who meet the requirements of the Substantial Presence Test and are considered "resident aliens" for tax purposes may be eligible for stimulus checks, provided they also have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) and have filed their tax returns. However, it is important to note that the eligibility criteria for stimulus checks may vary depending on the specific legislation and guidelines in place at the time of the stimulus payment.

It is recommended that international students use specialized tax preparation software, such as Sprintax Returns, to determine their tax residency status and understand their tax obligations, including eligibility for stimulus payments. This software is designed to guide international students through the tax preparation process and ensure they meet the necessary criteria for filing as resident aliens.

While some international students classified as "resident aliens" for tax purposes may be eligible for stimulus checks, it is always advisable to consult official sources, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website or a qualified tax professional, for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding eligibility and requirements.

International students with a valid SSN

International students with a valid Social Security Number (SSN) may be eligible for stimulus checks if they meet certain requirements. Firstly, they must be considered a 'qualifying resident alien' or 'resident for tax purposes'. This means that they have spent 31 days in the US in the current year and 183 days over the current year and the two preceding years.

International students on F1 or J1 visas who have been in the US for less than five years are generally not eligible for stimulus checks. However, some F1 visa holders can be considered residents for tax purposes only and may therefore be eligible for stimulus checks.

To be eligible for a stimulus check, an international student must also have filed their 2018 or 2019 tax returns and not be claimed as a dependent on someone else's income tax return. Eligible individuals will receive an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) of up to $600, with married couples receiving up to $1,200 and up to $600 per qualifying child.

It is important to note that the information provided here is general, and specific cases of eligibility should be discussed with a tax expert.

International students and the Substantial Presence Test

International students in the US on an F1 visa are typically considered "nonresident aliens" for tax purposes and are therefore not eligible for stimulus checks. However, some international students may be eligible if they meet the requirements to be considered "residents for tax purposes". One way to do this is by passing the Substantial Presence Test.

The Substantial Presence Test is a formula used by the IRS to determine if an individual has been physically present in the United States for a long enough period to be considered a "resident alien" for tax purposes. This test is especially relevant for international students who may spend several years in the US while completing their degree.

To pass the Substantial Presence Test, an international student must be physically present in the United States for at least 31 days during the current year and a total of 183 days over the three-year period that includes the current year and the two preceding years. This means counting all the days present in the current year, 1/3 of the days present in the first year before the current year, and 1/6 of the days present in the second year before the current year. For example, to determine residency status for 2023, you would count 120 days in 2023, 40 days in 2022 (1/3 of 120), and 20 days in 2021 (1/6 of 120), for a total of 180 days which does not meet the 183-day threshold.

It is important to note that certain individuals are exempt from the Substantial Presence Test, such as those holding specific types of visas (like "A-3" or "G-5" class visas) or those temporarily present in the US as students under an "F," "J," "M," or "Q" visa. Additionally, days spent in the US while in transit between two places outside the US and days spent in US territories or airspace are not counted towards the 183-day total.

Frequently asked questions