@audreyrosemary11 , before getting into the weeds with this question :
(a) When did you enter this country with F-1?
(b) Which country are you from ?
(c) Was the F-1 entry your first entry ?
While you provide the answers to my questions note :
1. The exempt period of five calendar years is ONLY for having to count days present towards SPT -- nothing else.
2. Foreign students are generally immune form FICA, but this has nothing to do with the exemption status.
3. OPT /CPT etc. are still "training / learning" and therefore immune from FICA. During such period you are not an employee but a trainee and the institution providing the training is generally connected /approved for this . EAD just allows you to remain a student & have earnings during training.
I will circle back once I hear from you .
