F1 Visa & Education expense

[Vandz]

I am on F1 visa for less than 5 years. So, I am a non Resident alien filing 1040NR. I am on CPT & have income of $23,000. I have paid around $10,000 for my fees. I was wodering if I can itemize my education expenses(Form 1098-T) in "Job Expenses & Certain Miscellenious Deduction" as Unreimbursed Employee expense- Job related education.

I read the publication. It says education you are pursuing shouldn't be minimum requirement for your job. However, your employer must require you to go for the education.

How about if I get a letter from my employer that my Degree is not the minimum requiremnt for my post but they require me to complete my Masters.

Thanks in Advance.
Vandana

[leifbooger]

You can get "Lifetime Learning" deduction. In your case, you can claim $2000. Contact a desi CPA to know about this deduction and other deductions you can get. Other items you can claim if you itemize - laptop purchase, bank charges, commute to work, vehicle repairs, Cellphone bills which your company did not re-imburse, Charity, Job search expenses.