Hi there,

I would really appreciate an answer to my question.

Background:

I came to the US on a J1 visa (August 2005). Went home after one year and re-entered the US on an F1 visa in August 2006. After graduating from college (May 2010) I got OPT from June 7, 2010 to June 7, 2011.

Question: Am I FICA exempt during the year of 2011 while I was on OPT?

I understand that J1 and F1 visas are exempt for 5 years or less, but what I don't understand is if that one year I was on J1 is counted in the 5 years, or 5 years are counted only for F1 visa.

Thank you in advance.

You were nonresident for 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. You are resident for 2010 and 2011.

Thanks MukatA!

I did a lot of research for this and could not find anything specific for my situation.

Could you point me to some documentation where I can find out more about my specific case.

Thanks,
Ike

Nonresidents also file Form 8843. Just go through Part III, lines 11 and 12.