Am I a dual-status resident?

Many students get confused by the term "dual-status", so here is a short explanation.

In order to be a dual-status resident, you must have been both resident and nonresident for the tax year. However, that does NOT mean switching from F-1 to H1B.

For example - you were on a F-1 visa for a few months and then obtained a Green Card or American Citizenship - that is when you would be considered as dual-status. The transition itself from F-1 to H1B only makes you a resident for tax purposes.