Residency FICA refund Roth IRA Money traps

Were you charged Social Security tax you don't owe?

Most nonresident F-1, J-1 and M-1 students don't owe Social Security or Medicare tax on campus jobs, CPT or OPT. Payroll systems often take it anyway, about 7.65% of every paycheck. Enter your W-2 to see what you can get back.

Your visa in 2026

F-1 studentJ-1 studentM-1 studentJ-1 researcher, professor or traineeDependent visaF-2, J-2, M-2Work visa or green cardH-1B, L-1, O-1, TN

What kind of job?

OPT, STEM OPT or practical trainingCPT internshipOn-campus jobTA, RA, dining, librarySomething elsenot approved for my visa

Tax yearFirst year in the U.S. as a student

From your W-2

Your employer sends this by January 31. Leave a box empty if it's blank.

Box 3 · Social Security wages

$

Box 4 · Social Security tax withheld

$

Box 6 · Medicare tax withheld

$

My visa type changed during 2026 (for example, OPT to H-1B)

Enter boxes 4 and 6 from your W-2 to see if you're owed money.

Pikalo is an educational tool. It explains how U.S. tax rules work and cites IRS sources, but it isn't tax, legal or investment advice and doesn't replace a tax professional. For free help filing, look for an IRS VITA clinic or ask your school's international office.