Social security medicare contributions by legal visa holders (green card, money, L1)

[munna21977]

Lot of people who come to US for short period of time on study/work visas have to contribute to social security, medicare etc. from their salary. but is there any way these people get any benefit because they leave the country? Can they get their contribution back after they leave US?

[Penguin_ie]

I know J1 visa holders do not have to pay into the social security system, not sure about other visas.

[usuario]

Foreign students and scholars do not have to pay social security and medicare taxes for the first 5 years they are in the U.S.. After that, they are taxed as U.S. residents even if they have no legal pathway to getting a green card and becoming an immigrant.

The Green Card Test and the Substantial Presence Test (http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=129390,00.html - broken link)

[munna21977]

I know it from personal experiences that after 5 years has passed in USA, J-1 as well as F-1 visa holders have to pay for Social Security, medicare.

Originally Posted by Penguin_ie

I know J1 visa holders do not have to pay into the social security system, not sure about other visas.

[Penguin_ie]

Entirely possible- the most I've ever known someone personally stay on a J1 is 2 years.

[Whatsthenews]

My husband has an H1-B and he has to pay social security. I assume that is the case for L1 (intercompany transfer visa) as they are both dual intent.
If you then go back to your own country you cannot claim back contributions.
My husband has applied for EB-2 Green card and there is no guarantee that he will get it as he's still in the early satges of DOL approval. I applied for EB-3 in 2008 and got approval but there is a 7 yr wait for UK although that might increase if the per country limits.


If we don't get Green cards or have to go back to the UK for family reasons before we get them then my earnings here will be zilch, but we will have paid SS with no benefit to us.

[cape_fisherman]

Can non-citizens who reach a time to where they need to pay into SSS not opt out of the system like citizens can?

Most US citizens don't realize they don't have to pay into the Social Security system. You have the right to opt out. You just need to remember that once you're out there is no way back in.

[munna21977]

Social Security and Medicare are mandatory contributions for foreigners working on H-1B or J-1 or F-1 visas and there is no possibility of opting out. I am wondering whether there is some way to get this money back when a foreign work leaves the country for good.

Originally Posted by cape_fisherman

Can non-citizens who reach a time to where they need to pay into SSS not opt out of the system like citizens can?

Most US citizens don't realize they don't have to pay into the Social Security system. You have the right to opt out. You just need to remember that once you're out there is no way back in.

[STT Resident]

I guess the best way to find out would be to contact the Social Security Administration. The information might even be located on one of their online sites. I've only recently had dealings with them but found it very easy both online and in person.