I just started my post-graduation job, and I am being taxed at an alarmingly high rate.

I have selected to file as Single and with only 1 allowance - that is the only way for non-residents, right?

My employer is taking MED/EE and OASDI/EE from my paycheck - do I have to pay those?

Is there any way to reduce my tax witholding?

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to the work place, where taxes are a fact of life.

However, FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes do NOT apply you just yet. Download IRS Pub 5190 from Internal Revenue Service and show you employer pages 54 and 55 to prove that you are exempt from these taxes, then ask that he refund the taxes already withheld.