Question: does a nonresident alien have to file a tax return?
Answer: You must file Form 1040-NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return (or Form 1040-NR-EZ, U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Nonresident Aliens With No Dependents) only if you have income that is subject to tax, such as wages, tips, scholarship and fellowship grants, dividends, etc.