If you are a foreign national in the United States on an F1 visa, you can invest in stocks to supplement your income. However, you must make sure you comply with the requirements of your visa. Foreign nationals are subject to the same tax laws as U.S. citizens, including the requirement to meet the 183-day residency requirement. The tax rate on dividends is thirty percent, though this can be lower depending on the treaty between your home country and the U.S.
The first step in investing in stocks is to seek out legal advice. The first step is to determine whether it is permissible for you to trade on the stock market. If you are on an F-1 visa, you can invest in stocks and day-trade as long as it does not violate your student status. However, if you do plan to do this as a full-time job, you will need to check with the International Student Office to ensure that you do not violate any laws. You can also seek the assistance of a financial advisor to help you decide which stocks to invest in.
