F-1 visa

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The F-1 visa is the most common type of student visa in the United States. The Immigration and Nationality Act provides two non-immigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the United States. The "F" visa is reserved for non-immigrants wishing to pursue academic studies and/or language training programs. F-1 visas are given only through "academic" institutions. Vocational education is not included in F1 visa; for vocational education, an M visa should be obtained.

F-1 students are generally not permitted to work in the US without prior authorization from Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). However, the USCIS may grant work authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) and under certain extreme circumstances. Students are permitted to work for a total of 12 months towards practical training (eg. internship), which can be distributed between Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), provided the student maintains a good academic standing. The student's academic and international office adviser must certify that the work is necessary towards the completion of his or her degree. An interim order was passed recently, allowing students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to undergo OPT for 29 months.

For tax purposes, a student on a F-1 visa in the US for less than 5 years is usually considered a non-resident. An individual on F-1 visa is exempt from paying Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes on their wages, but likewise may not receive benefits from those social programs.

F-2 (dependent) visas are given to families of an F-1 student. F-2 visa-holders are prohibited from any form of compensated employment. However, minor children may attend public schools.

Taxation for International Students F1 Visas:

F1 Visa holders are under exempt tax status, for up to 5 years.So for the 5 years, they are considered Non Resident Aliens for Tax Purposes. They are exempt from FICA Taxes (Social Security and Medicare Taxes), and they need to file Tax Forms 1040NR And Form 8843.

There also Tax Treaty benefits depending on their Resident Country. Improperly withheld taxes in OPT,CPT can be refunded by filing Form 843.

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