This article is for information only and is not tax advice.
The question asks whether you changed your visa during the tax year you are filing for. A visa change means you moved from one visa type to a different visa type in that year. For example, a change from an F visa to a J visa is a visa change.
What counts as a visa change?
You held two different visa statuses during 2026, such as F-1 and J-1.
You changed from one visa type to another visa type during 2026, such as F-1 to H-1B.
What does not count as a visa change?
A visa renewal. Renewing the same visa type is not a visa change.
A change after December 31, 2026. A change after the end of the tax year is not a visa change for this return.
A change in an earlier or later year. Only a change within the tax year you are filing for counts.
For tax purposes, you list all the visas you held until the end of the tax year.
Why can't I select Yes?
Sprintax Returns offers the option to report a visa change only if you entered two or more visa types for the tax year. You must have held two different visa statuses during the year.
Go back to the previous step.
Check that the visits you reported are accurate.
Check that you entered each visa type you held during 2026 as a separate visit.
Return to the visa change question.
How do I enter my visa dates if I changed my visa?
Enter each visa as a separate visit. For example, if you changed from F-1 to H-1B during 2026, enter the dates as follows.
| Visit | Date | What to enter |
|---|---|---|
| F-1 | US Leave Date | One day before the H-1B approval date. Use this date even if you did not leave the U.S. |
| H-1B | US Entry Date | The approval date or the start date on your Form I-797A approval notice. |
| H-1B | US Leave Date | The end date on the same approval notice. |
You do not need an H-1B stamp in your passport. Use the dates on your approval notice.
Do I answer Yes if I renewed my visa?
No. A renewal of the same visa type is not a visa change. Answer No unless you also held a different visa type during 2026.
Do I answer Yes if my visa changed in 2027?
No. A visa change after December 31, 2026 does not count for your 2026 return. List the visas you held until the end of 2026.
What are the key facts about the visa change question?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is a visa change? | A move from one visa type to a different visa type during the tax year. |
| Is an F to J change a visa change? | Yes. |
| Is a visa renewal a visa change? | No. A renewal of the same visa type is not a change. |
| Does a change after December 31, 2026 count? | No. |
| Does a change in an earlier or later year count? | No. Only a change in the tax year you file for counts. |
| Why can't I select Yes? | You must have entered two or more visa types for the tax year. |
| What is the F-1 US Leave Date when I change to H-1B? | One day before the H-1B approval date. |
| What is the H-1B US Entry Date? | The approval date or the start date on Form I-797A. |