You should contribute maximum possible to 401(k) plan of your employer. You get two main benefits from your contribution - employer match and tax reduction as c

You should contribute maximum possible to 401(k) plan of your employer. You get two main benefits from your contribution - employer match and tax reduction as contribution are pre-tax. Why would you need to withdraw early? In case you do go back to your original country, either leave the 401(k) alone or rollover to an IRA. There is no issue leaving the money in IRA/401(k) in US until you become eligible for penalty-free withdrawal. BTW, depending on the country and its tax treaty with US, you may be able to move retirement funds penalty free from US to your country (for example (401k to RRSP in Canada). Also, if you paid social security in US, you can get equivalent credit in to your country's similar plan (for example, Canada Pension Plan).