Hey,
I have read that "Student FICA Exemption" but I am not sure if I am included in that category or not. I have been working in OPT from April 2017 till Sept 2019 and have not paid FICA tax as OPT is exempt from FICA through form 8843. The form 8843 say 5 calendar year (2014-2018) but asks for reason if we file more than 5 years like statement. I also read that post five years, I have to do a substantial presence test to determine my residency status. If that is case, as I was in OPT from Jan 2019 to sept 2019 should I exempt it in my SPT test, then I become NON-RESIDENT as I was in USA with H1B for only 3 months and all older days are exempt. If we consider all the days from beginning 6th year irrespective of my OPT/F1 visa status I become a RESIDENT.
Can someone please help me clarify what is my correct status for my situation.
Thanks
