Parents as dependants for tax filing purpose

I see this question being asked before, but I could not find a conclusive answer. Could anyone please let me know if I can claim my parents as dependants for tax filing 2003. My parents came here in October 2003 and will be here with us till April (total of 6 months).

Your help is appreciated.

Thanks very much.

IRS specified five tests to be met by a person to be claimed as dependent for exemption.

Of these the second test is that the dependent must be either a US citizen or resident or resident of Canada or Mexico.

Based on this rule Indian parents staying on visitors visa cannot be claimed as dependents.

If IRS allowed any body claiming as such, they might not be aware of dependents citizenship or residency.

THanks Siva,
Actually i was also planning to post the same query. My parents had given a visit to us and i wanted to know if it can be done. Can you give more details on how you tried to contact the IRS. If there is any web material , i would appriciate if you can specify the link. Also you get the ITIN if you are on B1/B2. I think you need to claim using the ITIN. Thanks

I believe they also should satisfy the 183 days rule , if u ever get audited