Finance Guide Center

Investing??

I was in the States as an international student. Since i have completed my studies i have come back to my home country. What i want to ask is, can i still invest in Bonds, Equity, CD's, etc...through my bank a/c, which is active. I will not be investing more than $5000. I do have a Social Security Numer and a active checking a/c(which i had opened up while my stay over there), and now even plan on opening up a savings a/c with the same bank. Would i be able to do that(invest) without any problems? Like from immigration office or the govt. Any help would be appriciated. Thanks.

Public Comments

1. Don't think it is worth the trouble with - $ 5000. The revenue at home might have a problem, ? not the U.S. etc. Also - their is a possible currency risk or loss ?? etc. Savings Account, Funds, ETFs are another idea. ok
2. Yes, you can invest with an American investment account, as long as you comply with certain regulations. Here is a direct quote from my broker/dealer: "Non-Resident Alien: An individual who is not a citizen and who does not have his permanent (tax) residency in the United States. A nonresident alien is subject to 30% NRA withholding on some types of U.S. income, and he must file a nonresident tax return on that income. The U.S. has tax treaties with many countries allowing a resident of any of these countries to claim reduced rates of withholding. A nonresident alien is required to file an original W-8BEN with the payer or he will be treated as a U.S citizen and be subject to backup withholding according to TEFRA rules. Here is a list of countries that the U.S. has sanctions against, with the date the sanctions were instituted. Residents of these countries may not have an American investment account: OFAC Country Sanctions Programs Program Last Updated: Balkans Sanctions 05/22/2006 Belarus Sanctions 02/27/2007 Burma Sanctions 05/22/2006 Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) 09/19/2006 Cuba Sanctions 05/23/2007 Democractic Republic of the Congo Sanctions 03/30/2007 Iran Sanctions 04/04/2007 Iraq Sanctions 07/21/2005 Former Liberian Regime of Charles Taylor Sanctions 05/23/2007 North Korea Sanctions 02/02/2007 Sudan Sanctions 04/04/2007 Syria Sanctions 08/15/2006 Zimbabwe Sanctions 05/22/2006
3. The US always welcomes money. so yes you can do it. either through your bank or you can open an account with a broker. but i don't know if this is the best scenario for you. depending where you are from. some countries are experiencing a good blooming economies which you might get more return on your money. 5000 dollars isn't that much to start with adding up the transfer fees and the low return you usually get back from these alternative investments. i don't think its worth it. but look into it.