Is there a US-India totalization agreement that helps with Social Security?

No — and that absence costs many Indian professionals real money. The US has totalization agreements with around 30 countries that prevent double Social Security taxation and let you combine work credits, but India is not among them. As a result, an H-1B or L-1 worker pays full US Social Security and Medicare taxes (7.65% on wages up to the $176,100 wage base in 2025) even if they leave before earning the 40 credits (about 10 years) needed to qualify for US benefits — and those payments generally aren't refundable. If you work fewer than 10 years in the US, you may pay in and collect nothing. This makes private retirement saving even more important for Indian temporary workers: maximize your 401(k) and IRA so your retirement doesn't hinge on Social Security you might never vest. See wealthserene.com/for/immigrant-nri.