It is true that you cannot claim the standard deduction.
However, if you are here for LESS than one year, the job meets the IRS definition of being a temporary job, so you CAN claim daily living expenses (rent, utilites, local transportation, food and incidental costs). Since these are itemized deductions, it is likely that your itemized deduction will EXCEED the standard deduction.
You need to keep receipts for local transportation (rental car), rent and utilities; the IRS will want to see them if they audit you. The food and incidental costs are covered by the rates published in IRS Pub 1542.
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