Trading stocks and F-1 VISA

[TurboRoger]

What is the name of your state? Oregon

Is a student with an F-1 VISA allowed to open a trading account and trade stocks? I know international students are generally not allowed to work off campus, but money made from stocks investment is an investment income, not an employment income. Or is my intepretation false? Does the immigration services have specific rules about stock investments?

[jeremy_fx]

Same problem here.

You can contact me at [email]jeremy_fx@yahoo.com[/email], or call me at 631 216 2482 for further discussion on this to find a legal solution or affirmation.

Regards
Jaspreet

[abezon]

You can invest your money in the stock market all you like. Just don't invest anyone else's money. You don't even have to live in the US to invest here. We'll take your capital! F-1s also can invest in rental real estate, bonds, antiques, etc. Just don't take a potential job away from a US citizen.

[jeremy_fx]

Hi

I once posted a message asking whether I can start an internet business while on F1. There were varied opinions and the details again vary opinions too much to be unanimous. I am posting a little case of mine, see whether I can do THIS IN SPECIFIC. This will help me beat the wrong opinion with the right legal interpretation of applicable clause. Thanks for your time, please read it and try to answer each part as asked, so that I get something out of it.

CASE:

- I wish to sell things on internet, specifically, order things on internet at a lower price(may be from a distributor) and list these goods on eBay, and when someone buys it, I get the money for it in my bank account. This might make me some $1000-2000 a month. I am not buying these thngs as a company, but as an individual.

QUESTION:

- Can I do THE ABOVE online selling, buying cheap on internet and selling on eBay to people, and earning income from it worth $1000-2000, without violating my F1 visa regulation. Would this be interpreted as, or can be interpreted as off campus employment, or any other form of violation of F1 visa?

- I know people who do this as a business, they pay income tax on such online auctions. As a F-1 student, am I REQUIRED to pay tax on this income I am making above as an individual ? Or should I ask, CAN I file tax on income from an online source of income like this while am on F1?

- What are my options ? Under what circumstances or conditions can I sell things on internet wihout violating my F1 status ?

- Lastly, is there any FINAL authority to answer these questions, or everything is an opinion? Isnt there any way one can come to know the YES and NO answer for these questions, and be assured that the INS is happy with it?

People told me many things - as long as I dont work for someone, I can earn money on F1 (Right?). A telephonic discussion with an Immigration Lawyer told me its a typical "buy goods from wholesaler and retail out BUSINESS, you CANNOT do it". Lastly, my school DSO said it would be interpreted as a CONTRACT between me and the buyer, which is a violation of F1 status (!)

PHEW !

Any help wud be appreciated. Once again, please answer under each part of the question and add your opinion freely.

Thanks.