I will be graduating with a masters in the spring of 2014. I have full time employment starting after Labour Day 2014. I am trying to decide whether to use up OPT at the beginning or whether get my prospective employer to petition for an H1N visa this April 2014.

What things should I consider? For example... I am wondering about the following and other matters I may not have thought of...

What income taxes will be saved if I opt for OPT = I am a Canadian resident.

If I want to work for my university AND for my prospective employer long term, can I do so with an H1N visa? I think I can with OPT, as long as my OPT is not used up?

I will graduate in May 2014. Can I go home to Canada post graduation? Does it depend on whether I will be working under OPT or H1N? I have read I cannot return home while H1N is pending? When is an H1N not pending - i.e. is that on Oct 1 or after the H1N has been approved?

Thanks so much for any input.!
Very confusing stuff. I have used some OPT but not all and I am graduating in a STEM area.

ANY work visa (H-1, H-1B, H-1N, L-1) requires you to work for ONE and only ONE employer.

I cannot answer whether you can return to Canada while waiting for the H-1N; that's a question for an immigration attorney.

If you stay on OPT, you are EXEMPT from FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes for as long as your F-1 status is under five years.

How long can I be exempt from FICA? I am graduating with my masters in Spring 2014. I started my bachelors in Fall 2009, graduated in Spring 2009. I believe I can be on OPT for 29 months, effective Spring 2009? I am in STEM.
I have already used OPT for my Bachelors. I read something about an exemption from FICA for OPT AS LONG AS THE TIME IS 5 YEARS OR LESS. What counts in terms of the 5 years? Do I count from FALL 2019 or from SPRING 2014 or some other date?
Thanks,

Your questions have been merged into one thread. Please stop asking the same question over and over again.

Your exemption from FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes ended on 31 December 2013, because 2009 counts as a full year.

Make sure your employer is aware of this fact when you start OPT.

Hello
Can anyone comment on the tax rate on taxes under OPT (after the 5 year limit for FICA is used up) ant taxes under H1B. Are they higher once a green card is optained. I am currently a Canadian resident.
Should I defer an H1N visa on this basis?

It is the same either way.

The non-discrimination clause that is standard for all tax treaties dictates that non-resident aliens be taxed at the same rate as U.S. citizens.