Definition

The substantial presence test decides whether a non-citizen is taxed as a U.S. resident based on days physically present in the U.S. over a three-year weighted formula. Meeting it means being taxed on worldwide income and facing FBAR/FATCA reporting. Many visa holders become U.S. tax residents under this test even without a green card.

1. H-1B Visa Holders: A Complete Guide to Personal Finance in the US

   Managing money on an H-1B visa involves unique challenges that most standard financial advice does not address: dual-country tax obligations, visa-dependent career planning, and investments that do not translate internationally.
   immigrant finance

1. Resident Alien vs. Nonresident Alien

   IRS tax categories that determine whether you are taxed on worldwide or only U.S. income.
2. FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts)

   A required U.S. report of foreign financial accounts whose total exceeds $10,000 at any point in the year.
3. Form 1040-NR

   The U.S. tax return filed by nonresident aliens.