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December 2025 Visa Bulletin: EB Chooses Up, Family Faces Delays
December’s bulletin favors employment categories with forward movement in Final Action Dates, notably for China and India, while family lines…
Future of OPT: International Students and U.S. Universities Must Do
OPT and its STEM-OPT extension face possible elimination or restriction via H.R. 2315 and DHS rulemaking. Ending FICA exemptions could…
U.S. Tax Residency: Resident vs Nonresident Aliens Explained
IRS residency rules use the Green Card Test and Substantial Presence Test to classify taxpayers. Exemptions exist for F‑1/J‑1 students.…
From F-1 to H-1B: A Practical Guide for U.S. Employment
New rules add a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions starting September 21, 2025, and shift selection toward higher wages…
H-1B Payroll and Tax Deductions: Real-World Case Studies Explained
H-1B hires often see lower take-home pay because mandatory federal, state, FICA taxes, and benefit elections reduce gross salaries. Employers…
F-1 FICA Tax Refund: Exemption Rules and How to Claim
F-1 students are generally exempt from FICA during their first five calendar years as nonresident aliens. If payroll withholds Social…
Understanding the SSA, SSN, and Employee Benefits in the U.S.
The SSA issues SSNs that link wages to retirement, disability, and survivor benefits and support immigration checks. F-1 students need…
Applying for an SSN as an F-1 Student or H-1B Worker
F-1 students (with CPT/OPT or on-campus jobs) and H-1B employees must apply in person with Form SS-5 and original documents.…