Foreign National Employee Information

The Penn State Payroll Office has Required Forms and Documents for all Penn State Foreign National (Non-US Citizens) employees. They are listed in the table below. Also listed are Optional Tax Treaty Forms and Current tax requirements that you may see deducted.

Upload all Required Forms, Documents, or Tax Treaty documents to:

Worklion's Home page -this opens in a new window
Click on Ask HR a question, listed under Additional Resources
I have a question about: Choose Payroll from the drop down menu.
Specifically, click on the Drop Down Box N/A - Choose Foreign National Paperwork OR Tax Treaty Documents
Subject - same information as # 4
Inquiry Details: Please list the paperwork you are uploading:
1. Example: Alien Information Request form, copy of I-94, copy of DS-2019, EAD card, Perm Res Card, etc.
2. Example: Tax treaty doc's 8233, 87-8 or 87-9 or W-9 & W-9 attachment
Click on the Add Files button - to upload your completed, signed and dated Alien Information Request form, copy of your most recent I-94, etc.or Tax Treaty Documents
Click on Submit Request - this will send a notice to the Payroll office to open your Inquiry and retrieve your forms & documents.

IF Your SSN (Social Security Number) is listed on the form(s). DO NOT send the forms as an attachment to an email

Employee Visa Status

Forms and Documents based on Visa Status

Employee Visa Status	REQUIRED Forms and Documents (these are NOT Tax Treaty Forms- Move to the next column)	TAX TREATY Forms - Optional
F-1 VISA NRA Non-Resident Alien for US Tax Purposes RA Resident Alien for US Tax Purposes	NRA Non-Resident Alien for US Tax Purpose Complete steps 1,2 & 3 1. Alien Information Request Form (AIF) Important note: if you have not obtained your social security number(SSN), you may complete the AIF and upload the AIF without the SSN number. If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it, you may download the AIF and open it with Adobe Reader, complete, digitally/electronically sign, date and upload with your I-94 2. Photocopy of most recent I-94 Document stating your Class of Admission (Visa type) and Admit Until Date upload with Alien Info Form (AIF) 3. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected] RA Resident Alien for US Tax Purposes Complete steps 1,2 3, & 4 1. Alien Information Request Form (AIF) Important note: if you have not obtained your social security number(SSN), you may complete the AIF and upload the AIF without the SSN number. If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it, you may download the AIF and open it with Adobe Reader, complete, digitally/electronically sign, date and upload with your I-94 2. Photocopy of most recent I-94 Document stating your Class of Admission (Visa type) and Admit Until Date 3. IRS W-9 Form upload page 1 4. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected]	TAX TREATY -description Your country of permanent residence must be on this list to be eligible for tax treaty. F-1 NRA Tax Treaty Forms complete steps 1,2 & 3 YOU MUST HAVE a USA Social Security Number (SSN) to proceed 1. Form 8233 (2 pages) Instructions NOTE: question 9b on the 8233 form - use your I-20 or DS-2019 for the answer. *IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A USA SSN do not complete the forms.* GET A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER - student If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it, you may download the 8233 and open it with Adobe Reader. Save the blank 8233 form, Remember your PII will be on the document - Save in a safe location file. Complete the saved blank form, digitally/electronically sign (with the time and date stamp) or with your hand written electronic signature, then date the form. You will be required to save a copy of the completed signed document, *the digital signature is not applied until the form is saved.* **Remember your PII is on the document. Save in a safe location file and upload with your 87-8 completed, signed and dated form. 2. Revenue Procedure 87-8 Instructions 87-8 must accompany the 8233 IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A USA SSN do not complete the forms. GET A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER - student If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it,** you may download the 87-8 and open it with Adobe Reader. Save the blank 87-8 form, Remember your PII will be on the document - Save in a safe location file. Complete the saved blank form, digitally/electronically sign (with the time and date stamp) or with your hand written electronic signature, then date the form. You will be required to save a copy of the completed signed document (*the digital signature is not applied until the form is saved).* **Remember your PII is on the document. Save in a safe location file and upload with your 8823 completed, signed and dated form. 3. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected] F-1 RA** Tax Treaty forms - complete steps 1,2 & 3 YOU MUST HAVE a USA Social Security Number (SSN) to proceed *IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A USA SSN do not complete the forms.* GET A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER - student 1. Attachment to the IRS W-9 If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it, you may download the Attachment to the IRS W-9 and open it with Adobe Reader. Save the blank Attachment to the IRS W-9 form, Remember your PII will be on the document - Save in a safe location file. Complete the saved blank form, digitally/electronically sign (with the time and date stamp) or with your hand written electronic signature, then date the form. You will be required to save a copy of the completed signed document, *the digital signature is not applied until the form is saved.* **Remember your PII is on the document. Save in a safe location file and upload with your IRS W-9 completed, signed and dated form. 2. IRS W-9 Form upload page 1 only If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it,** you may download the IRS W-9 and open it with Adobe Reader. Save the blank IRS W-9 form, Remember your PII will be on the document - Save in a safe location file. Complete the saved blank form, digitally/electronically sign (with the time and date stamp) or with your hand written electronic signature, then date the form. You will be required to save a copy of the completed signed document, *the digital signature is not applied until the form is saved.* **Remember your PII is on the document. Save in a safe location file and upload with your Attachment to the W-9 signed and dated form. 3. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected]**
J-1 VISA (student) J-2 NRA Non-Resident Alien for US Tax Purposes RA Resident Alien for US Tax Purposes	NRA Non-Resident Alien for US Tax Purposes Complete steps 1,2 3 & 4 1. Alien Information Request Form (AIF) Important note: if you have not obtained your social security number(SSN), you may complete the AIF and upload the AIF without the SSN number. If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it, you may download the AIF and open it with Adobe Reader, complete, digitally/electronically sign, date and upload with your I-94 & DS-2019 2. Copy of most recent I-94 Document stating your Class of Admission (Visa type) and Admit Until Date upload with Alien Info Form (AIF) 3. Copy of your DS-2019 upload with your Alien info form (AIF) 4. . UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected] RA Resident Alien for US Tax Purposes Complete steps 1,2 3, 4 &5 1. Alien Information Request Form (AIF) Important note: if you have not obtained your social security number(SSN), you may complete the AIF and upload the AIF without the SSN number. If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it, you may download the AIF and open it with Adobe Reader, complete, digitally/electronically sign, date and upload with your I-94 2. Copy of most recent I-94 Document stating your Class of Admission (Visa type) and Admit Until Date 3. Copy of your DS-2019 4. IRS W-9 Form upload page 1 5. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected]	TAX TREATY - description Your country of permanent residence must be on this list to be eligible for tax treaty. J-1 STUDENT NRA Tax Treaty Forms complete steps 1,2 & 3 YOU MUST HAVE a USA Social Security Number (SSN) to proceed 1. Form 8233 (2 pages) Instructions NOTE: question 9b on the 8233 form - use your I-20 or DS-2019 for the answer. YOU MUST HAVE a USA Social Security Number (SSN) to proceed - GET A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER - student If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it, you may download the 8233 and open it with Adobe Reader. Save the blank 8233 form, Remember your PII will be on the document - Save in a safe location file. Complete the saved blank form, digitally / electronically sign (with the time and date stamp) or with your hand written electronic signature, then date the form. You will be required to save a copy of the completed signed document, *the digital signature is not applied until the form is saved.* **Remember your PII is on the document. Save in a safe location file and upload with your 87-8 completed, signed and dated form. 2. Revenue Procedure 87-8 Instructions 87-8 must accompany the 8233 IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A USA SSN do not complete the forms. GET A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER - student If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it,** you may download the 87-8 and open it with Adobe Reader. Save the blank 87-8 form, Remember your PII will be on the document - Save in a safe location file. Complete the saved blank form, digitally/electronically sign (with the time and date stamp) or with your hand written electronic signature, then date the form. You will be required to save a copy of the completed signed document (*the digital signature is not applied until the form is saved).* **Remember your PII is on the document. Save in a safe location file and upload with your 8823 completed, signed and dated form. 3. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected] J-1 STUDENT RA Tax Treaty forms complete steps 1,2 & 3 YOU MUST HAVE a USA Social Security Number (SSN) to proceed. (Tax Treaty is NOT available for a J-2 visa holder.) 1. Attachment to the IRS W-9 IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A USA SSN do not complete the forms. GET A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER - student If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it,** you may download the Attachment to the IRS W-9 and open it with Adobe Reader. Save the blank Attachment to the IRS W-9 form, Remember your PII will be on the document - Save in a safe location file. Complete the saved blank form, digitally/electronically sign (with the time and date stamp) or with your hand written electronic signature, then date the form. You will be required to save a copy of the completed signed document, *the digital signature is not applied until the form is saved.* **Remember your PII is on the document. Save in a safe location file and upload with your IRS W-9 completed, signed and dated form. 2. IRS W-9 Form upload page 1 only IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A USA SSN do not complete the forms. GET A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER - student If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it,** you may download the IRS W-9 and open it with Adobe Reader. Save the blank IRS W-9 form, Remember your PII will be on the document - Save in a safe location file. Complete the saved blank form, digitally/electronically sign (with the time and date stamp) or with your hand written electronic signature, then date the form. You will be required to save a copy of the completed signed document, *the digital signature is not applied until the form is saved.* **Remember your PII is on the document. Save in a safe location file and upload with your Attachment to the W-9 signed and dated form. 3. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected] J-1 NON-STUDENT NRA Tax Treaty forms complete steps 1,2 & 3 YOU MUST HAVE a USA Social Security Number (SSN) to proceed. (Tax Treaty is *NOT available* for a J-2 visa holder.) 1. Form 8233 (2 pages) Instructions NOTE: question 9b on the 8233 form - use your I-20 or DS-2019 for the answer. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A USA SSN do not complete the forms. GET A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER - Scholar If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it,** you may download the 8233 and open it with Adobe Reader. Save the blank 8233 form, Remember your PII will be on the document - Save in a safe location file. Complete the saved blank form, digitally/electronically sign (with the time and date stamp) or with your hand written electronic signature, then date the form. You will be required to save a copy of the completed signed document, *the digital signature is not applied until the form is saved.* **Remember your PII is on the document. Save in a safe location file and upload with your 87-9 completed, signed and dated form. 2. Revenue Procedure 87-9 instructions 87-9 must accompany the 8233 IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A USA SSN do not complete the forms. GET A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER - Scholar If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it,** you may download the 87-9 and open it with Adobe Reader. Save the blank 87-9 form, Remember your PII will be on the document - Save in a safe location file. Complete the saved blank form, digitally/electronically sign (with the time and date stamp) or with your hand written electronic signature, then date the form. You will be required to save a copy of the completed signed document (*the digital signature is not applied until the form is saved).* **Remember your PII is on the document. Save in a safe location file and upload with your 8823 completed, signed and dated form. 3. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected] J-1 Non-Student RA Tax Treaty forms complete steps 1,2 & 3 YOU MUST HAVE a USA Social Security Number (SSN) to proceed (Tax Treaty is *NOT available* for a J-2 visa holder.) 1. Attachment to the IRS W-9 IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A USA SSN do not complete the forms. GET A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER - Scholar If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it,** you may download the Attachment to the IRS W-9 and open it with Adobe Reader. Save the blank Attachment to the IRS W-9 form, Remember your PII will be on the document - Save in a safe location file. Complete the saved blank form, digitally/electronically sign (with the time and date stamp) or with your hand written electronic signature, then date the form. You will be required to save a copy of the completed signed document, *the digital signature is not applied until the form is saved.* **Remember your PII is on the document. Save in a safe location file and upload with your IRS W-9 completed, signed and dated form. 2. IRS W-9 Form upload page 1 only IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A USA SSN do not complete the forms. GET A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER - Scholar If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it,** you may download the IRS W-9 and open it with Adobe Reader. Save the blank IRS W-9 form, Remember your PII will be on the document - Save in a safe location file. Complete the saved blank form, digitally/electronically sign (with the time and date stamp) or with your hand written electronic signature, then date the form. You will be required to save a copy of the completed signed document, *the digital signature is not applied until the form is saved.* **Remember your PII is on the document. Save in a safe location file and upload with your Attachment to the W-9 signed and dated form. 3. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected]**
H-1B Visa NRA Non-Resident Alien for US Tax Purposes RA Resident Alien for US Tax Purposes	NRA Non-Resident Alien for US Tax Purposes Complete steps 1,2 & 3 1. Alien Information Request Form (AIF) Important note: if you have not obtained your social security number(SSN), you may complete the AIF and upload the AIF without the SSN number. If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it, you may download the AIF and open it with Adobe Reader, complete, digitally/electronically sign, date and upload with your I-94 2. Copy of most recent I-94 Document stating your Class of Admission (Visa type) and Admit Until Date 3. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected] RA Resident Alien for US Tax Purposes Complete steps 1,2 3 & 4 1. Alien Information Request Form (AIF) Important note: if you have not obtained your social security number(SSN), you may complete the AIF and upload the AIF without the SSN number. If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it, you may download the AIF and open it with Adobe Reader, complete, digitally/electronically sign, date and upload with your I-94 2. Copy of most recent I-94 Document stating your Class of Admission (Visa type) and Admit Until Date 3. IRS W-9 Form upload page 1 4. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected]	TAX TREATY -description Your country of permanent residence must be on this list to be eligible for tax treaty. H-1B NRA Tax Treaty forms complete steps 1,2 & 3 YOU MUST HAVE a USA Social Security Number (SSN) to proceed 1. Form 8233 (2 pages) Instructions NOTE: question 9b on the 8233 form - use your I-20 or DS-2019 for the answer. *IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A USA SSN do not complete the forms.* If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it, you may download the 8233 and open it with Adobe Reader. Save the blank 8233 form, Remember your PII will be on the document - Save in a safe location file. Complete the saved blank form, digitally/electronically sign (with the time and date stamp) or with your hand written electronic signature, then date the form. You will be required to save a copy of the completed signed document, *the digital signature is not applied until the form is saved.* **Remember your PII is on the document. Save in a safe location file and upload with your 87-9 completed, signed and dated form. 2. Revenue Procedure 87-9 instructions 87-9 must accompany the 8233. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A USA SSN do not complete the forms. If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it,** you may download the 87-9 and open it with Adobe Reader. Save the blank 87-9 form, Remember your PII will be on the document - Save in a safe location file. Complete the saved blank form, digitally/electronically sign (with the time and date stamp) or with your hand written electronic signature, then date the form. You will be required to save a copy of the completed signed document (*the digital signature is not applied until the form is saved).* **Remember your PII is on the document. Save in a safe location file and upload with your 8823 completed, signed and dated form. 3. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected] H-1B RA Tax Treaty forms complete steps 1,2 & 3 YOU MUST HAVE a USA Social Security Number (SSN) to proceed 1. Attachment to the IRS W-9 IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A USA SSN do not complete the forms. If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it,** you may download the Attachment to the IRS W-9 and open it with Adobe Reader. Save the blank Attachment to the IRS W-9 form, Remember your PII will be on the document - Save in a safe location file. Complete the saved blank form, digitally/electronically sign (with the time and date stamp) or with your hand written electronic signature, then date the form. You will be required to save a copy of the completed signed document, *the digital signature is not applied until the form is saved.* **Remember your PII is on the document. Save in a safe location file and upload with your IRS W-9 completed, signed and dated form. 2. IRS W-9 Form upload page 1 only IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A USA SSN do not complete the forms. If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it,** you may download the IRS W-9 and open it with Adobe Reader. Save the blank IRS W-9 form, Remember your PII will be on the document - Save in a safe location file. Complete the saved blank form, digitally/electronically sign (with the time and date stamp) or with your hand written electronic signature, then date the form. You will be required to save a copy of the completed signed document, *the digital signature is not applied until the form is saved.* **Remember your PII is on the document. Save in a safe location file and upload with your Attachment to the W-9 signed and dated form. 3. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected]**
Permanent Resident	NRA Non-Resident Alien for US Tax Purposes Complete steps 1,2 3 & 4 1. Alien Information Request Form (AIF) Important note: if you have not obtained your social security number(SSN), you may complete the AIF and upload the AIF without the SSN number. If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it, you may download the AIF and open it with Adobe Reader, complete, digitally/electronically sign, date and upload with your most recent I-94 or AOS document or Perm. Res. Card (Green Card) 2. Copy of most recent I-94 Document stating your Class of Admission (Visa type or AOS) and Admit Until Date (if Applicable) 3. Copy of your Perm. Res Card (Green Card) upload with your (AIF) 4. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected] RA (Resident Alien for US Tax Purposes) 1. Alien Information Request Form (AIF) Important note: if you have not obtained your social security number(SSN), you may complete the AIF and upload the AIF without the SSN number. If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it, you may download the AIF and open it with Adobe Reader, complete, digitally/electronically sign, date and upload with your most recent I-94 or AOS document or Perm. Res. Card (Green Card) 2. Copy of most recent I-94 Document (if applicable) stating your Class of Admission (Visa type) and Admit Until Date 3. Copy of your Perm. Res. Card or Green Card 3. IRS W-9 Form upload page 1 4. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected]	TAX TREATY - description The ONLY Employees Eligible for consideration have China as their country of Permanent residence Perm. Res from China RA Tax Treaty forms YOU MUST HAVE a USA Social Security Number (SSN) to proceed 1. Attachment to the IRS W-9 *IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A USA SSN do not complete the forms.* If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it, you may download the Attachment to the IRS W-9 and open it with Adobe Reader. Save the blank Attachment to the IRS W-9 form, Remember your PII will be on the document - Save in a safe location file. Complete the saved blank form, digitally/electronically sign (with the time and date stamp) or with your hand written electronic signature, then date the form. You will be required to save a copy of the completed signed document, *the digital signature is not applied until the form is saved.* **Remember your PII is on the document. Save in a safe location file and upload with your IRS W-9 completed, signed and dated form. 2. IRS W-9 Form upload page 1 only YOU MUST HAVE a USA Social Security Number (SSN) to proceed If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it,** you may download the IRS W-9 and open it with Adobe Reader. Save the blank IRS W-9 form, Remember your PII will be on the document - Save in a safe location file. Complete the saved blank form, digitally/electronically sign (with the time and date stamp) or with your hand written electronic signature, then date the form. You will be required to save a copy of the completed signed document, *the digital signature is not applied until the form is saved.* **Remember your PII is on the document. Save in a safe location file and upload with your Attachment to the W-9 signed and dated form. 3. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected]**
Political Asylum or Refugee	NRA Non-Resident Alien for US Tax Purposes 1. Alien Information Request Form (AIF) Important note: if you have not obtained your social security number(SSN), you may complete the AIF and upload the AIF without the SSN number. If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it, you may download the AIF and open it with Adobe Reader, complete, digitally/electronically sign, date and upload with your I-94 2. Copy of most recent I-94 Document stating your Class of Admission (Visa type) and Admit Until Date 3. Copy of EAD card 3. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected] RA Resident Alien for US Tax Purposes 1. Alien Information Request Form (AIF) Important note: if you have not obtained your social security number(SSN), you may complete the AIF and upload the AIF without the SSN number. If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it, you may download the AIF and open it with Adobe Reader, complete, digitally/electronically sign, date and upload with your I-94 2. Photocopy of most recent I-94 Document 3. Copy of EAD card 4. IRS W-9 Form upload page 1 5. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected]
All Other Visa's	NRA Non-Resident Alien for US Tax Purposes 1. Alien Information Request Form (AIF) Important note: if you have not obtained your social security number(SSN), you may complete the AIF and upload the AIF without the SSN number. If you are unable to print the completed form and sign it, you may download the AIF and open it with Adobe Reader, complete, digitally/electronically sign, date and upload with your I-94 2. Copy of most recent I-94 Document stating your Class of Admission (Visa type) and Admit Until Date 3. Copy of EAD card 4. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected] RA Resident Alien for US Tax Purposes 1. Alien Information Request Form (AIF) 2. Photocopy of most recent I-94 Document 3. Copy of EAD card 4. IRS W-9 Form upload page 1 5. UPLOAD FORMS Instructions If you have questions - email [email protected]

Taxes (FICA/MEDIA, Federal, State, Local)

Federal Income Tax:

Federal Income Tax is withheld according to the Federal graduated tax tables located in IRS Publication 15-T. PSU, uses the Percentage Method for federal income tax Withholding, using the Annual calculation, in conjunction with the information provided by the employee on their IRS W-4.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires all Non-Resident Aliens (NRA) to use IRS Notice 1392 instructions to complete the IRS W4 Employee’s Withholding Certificate (referred to as Federal Tax Elections during onboarding in Workday). Two Excerpts from Notice 1392: First - Step 1(c): Personal Information. Check the Single or Married filing separately box regardless of your actual marital status. Second: Exempt from withholding. Do not claim that you are exempt from withholding in the space below Step 4(c) of Form W-4 (even if you meet both of the conditions to claim exemption from withholding listed in the instructions to the Form W-4). Top of Form

Federal Income Tax Treaty

Foreign National employees may qualify to be exempt from federal income tax or have reduced federal income tax if there is a tax treaty with the U.S. and their country of permanent residence. Not all countries have a tax treaty that allows exemption/reduction from federal income tax. Not all individuals qualify for the tax treaty benefit. Tax treaties vary by Country in the amount of taxable federal income excluded from income tax and number of eligibility years. To apply for the tax treaty benefit, each calendar year of eligibility, the individual must complete Form 8233 (8233 IRS Instructions) (If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), a copy of the Social Security Administration's (SSA) receipt letter, that validates you have applied for the SSN, must accompany the 8233) and the Revenue Procedure Form 87-8 for students or trainees, or Revenue Procedures form 87-9 for teachers and researchers. The forms are reviewed in the Payroll Office and then forwarded to the IRS for final approval. It is the responsibility of the individual employee to make sure the forms are completed each calendar year of eligibility. UPLOAD TAX TREATY FORMS Top of Form

Back

Pennsylvania State and Local City Tax:

All employees at Penn State University have the local City tax and State of Pennsylvania taxes withheld. After the calender year is over, they may file a tax return to request a refund or a partial refund. The determination of any refund is made by the local City tax office for City tax and the State of Pennsylvania for the State taxes. Top of Form

OASDI(FICA)/MEDI Taxes:

OASDI(FICA)/MEDI taxes are based on your US residency status for federal tax purposes Refer to the IRS Substantial Presence Test for complete instructions to determine US residency status

i.e.. NRA (Non-Resident Alien) for US residency status for tax purposes or RA (Resident Alien) for US residency status for tax purposes

F-1 and J-1 students that are in Non-Resident Alien (NRA) Status for US federal tax purposes,: OASDI (FICA)/MEDI Taxes are not withheld for five calendar years or any part of five calendar years beginning with their very first date of arrival on a F or J visa into the USA (NRA Rule 3121(b)(19)). When the student reaches the sixth year this tax will be withheld (unless they meet the criteria for the student exemption that became effective July 1, 2001 Student Rule 3121(b)(10)). To determine when the OASDI (FICA)/MEDI tax (NRA Rule 3121(b)(19) will begin to be withheld, you need to know the month and year the person first entered the U.S.on a F or J student visa. Note: If the individual was in the U.S. for one day of a calendar year, that entry day will count as an entire calendar year.

Example: Enter U.S. December 20, 2017 on an F- or J-1 student visa. The first tax year would be 2017. Assuming the F-1/J-1 student is present in the USA for one day in the second year 2018, third year 2019, fourth year 2020 the fifth and the last year of exemption would be 2021. Therefore, beginning with January 2022 the OASDI(FICA)/MED tax would be withheld. Top of Form

J-1 non-students that are in Non-Resident Alien (NRA) Status for US federal tax purposes(arriving in the USA for the first time), OASDI(FICA)/MEDI Taxes are not withheld for two calendar years or any part of two calendar years, beginning with the very first date of arrival to the U.S. Note: If the individual was in the U.S. for one day of a calendar year, that entry day will count as an entire calendar year. When the individual remains in the U.S. for year three they will begin to have this tax withheld.

Example: Enter U.S. for the first time on October 20, 2019.The first calendar year would be 2019 and the second calendar year would be 2020. Therefore, beginning with January 2021 the OASDI(FICA)/MEDI tax would be withheld. Top of Form

NOTE:

J-1 non-student visa holders have a 6 year 'look back period' to determine if the person has been in the US with an Exempt year status. Begin with the year prior to the current year and determine the 6 years to look back. In the example above, the person is arriving in the US for the very first time in 2019,(has never been to the USA) therefore the 6 year look back period is 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 would not have any Exempt year history. Beginning 2020 the 6 year look back period would have one Exempt year (2109) allowing for 2020 to be the 2nd Exempt year. Beginning Jan. 2021 the 6 year look back period would have 2 Exempt years, making 2021 Non-exempt and eligible to have OASDI(FICA)/MEDI Taxes withheld. Top of Form