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IRS Form 8843 2025 – If you’re an international student, scholar, trainee, or dependent in the U.S. on an F, J, M, or Q visa in 2025, you likely need to file IRS Form 8843. This informational statement helps you exclude days of U.S. presence from the substantial presence test, preventing you from being classified as a U.S. tax resident.
Form 8843 is not a tax return and does not report income. It is required even if you had no U.S. source income in 2025. Filing it correctly protects your nonresident alien status for tax purposes.
Below is your complete, up-to-date 2025 guide based directly on official IRS sources (Form 8843 revised June 2025 and IRS Publication 4756).
Who Must File IRS Form 8843 for 2025?
You must file if you are an alien individual (other than a foreign government-related individual) and:
- You were an exempt individual (e.g., F-1/J-1/M-1/Q-1 student, teacher, or trainee), or
- You were unable to leave the U.S. due to a medical condition or medical problem.
In practice, this includes:
- All F-1, J-1, F-2, J-2, M, and Q visa holders who were in the U.S. for any part of 2025.
- Spouses and children (dependents) in F-2 or J-2 status — each person files a separate Form 8843.
- Nonresident aliens for tax purposes (most international students and scholars in their first 5 years on F/J status qualify as exempt).
You do NOT need to file if you are a U.S. resident for tax purposes or were only in the U.S. on a B visa or under the Visa Waiver Program.
Tip: Even with zero income, filing Form 8843 is mandatory to maintain your exempt status.
2025 Filing Deadlines for Form 8843
- If you had U.S. source income and are filing Form 1040-NR → Attach Form 8843 to your return. Due April 15, 2026 (or with extension).
- If you had NO U.S. income (filing Form 8843 only) → Mail by June 15, 2026.
Important: The form cannot be e-filed. It must be printed, signed, and mailed.
Download Printable IRS Form 8843 2025 PDF (Official & Free)
Direct official link:
Download IRS Form 8843 (2025) PDF
- The form is 2 pages + 2 pages of instructions.
- Latest revision: June 5, 2025.
- Always use the official IRS.gov version to avoid outdated or incorrect forms.
Pro tip: Print one copy per person (including each dependent). Use black ink and print clearly.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Fill Out IRS Form 8843 2025?
Follow these instructions exactly as they appear on the official form (pages 3–4).
Top Section (Identification)
- Name: Enter exactly as on your passport.
- U.S. taxpayer identification number (TIN): SSN or ITIN if you have one. Most people with no income can leave this blank.
- Addresses: Only fill if filing separately (not with a tax return):
- Address in country of residence (foreign home address).
- U.S. address (if applicable).
Part I – General Information (Everyone completes this)
1a. Type of U.S. visa (F, J, M, Q, etc.) and date you first entered the U.S. in 2025.
1b. Current nonimmigrant status (and change details if any).
- Country(ies) of citizenship.
3a. Country(ies) that issued your passport.
3b. Passport number(s).
4a. Actual days present in the U.S. in 2025, 2024, and 2023.
4b. Days in 2025 you are claiming to exclude (usually the same as line 4a for 2025).
Part II – Teachers and Trainees (J-1 scholars/researchers only)
- Complete if you are a J-1 teacher or trainee.
- Provide institution/program details and prior J/Q visa history (2019–2024).
- Answer the “exempt for 2 of the preceding 6 years” question.
Part III – Students (F-1, J-1 students, and most F-2/J-2 dependents)
- Provide school and program director details.
- List prior F/J/M/Q visa years.
- Answer questions about long-term student status and intent to reside permanently.
Part IV – Professional Athletes (rare)
- Only for those competing in charitable sports events.
Part V – Individuals With a Medical Condition
- Describe the condition, intended departure date, and actual departure.
- Attach a physician’s signed statement.
Signature
- Sign and date only if filing separately (not attached to 1040-NR).
- For minor children: Parent/guardian signs “By [name], parent for minor child.”
Do not complete parts that do not apply to you.
Where to Mail Form 8843 2025?
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Austin, TX 73301-0215
- Use a separate envelope for each person.
- Keep a copy for your records.
- Certified mail (with return receipt) is recommended for proof of filing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using an old version of the form.
- Forgetting to file for dependents.
- Missing the June 15 deadline for standalone forms.
- Not signing the form (when required).
- Sending it to the wrong IRS address.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Form 8843 2025
Do I need an SSN or ITIN?
No, unless you are required to file a tax return or claim dependents from specific countries.
What if I forgot to file in a previous year?
File the late form now. It may still help establish your exempt status, but consult a tax professional.
Can I file electronically?
No — Form 8843 must be mailed.
Is Form 8843 required every year?
Yes, if you meet the criteria for that tax year.
Final Tips for Smooth Filing
- File early — don’t wait until the deadline.
- Double-check all dates and visa information against your I-20, DS-2019, or passport.
- If you also need to file Form 1040-NR, use tax software like Sprintax or consult your university’s international office.
Official IRS Resources:
By filing IRS Form 8843 2025 on time, you protect your nonresident tax status and avoid unnecessary tax complications. Download the form today and mail it before the deadline.
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on current IRS guidance as of March 2026. Tax rules can change — always verify with IRS.gov or a qualified tax advisor.