A resident alien is an individual that is not a U.S. citizen or national of the United States and who meets either the green card test or the IRS substantial presence test for the calendar year. In general: • F and J student visa holders are considered residents after five full or partial calendar years in the U.S. • J researchers and professors are generally considered residents after two full or partial calendar years in the U.S. • H-1, TN, and O-1 visa holders are considered residents once they meet the substantial presence test.