Stock Trading and Other Things

Can international students engage in stock trading in the US?

I'm an international student on OPT (Optional Practical Training) in the US. Can I engage in Stock Trading?

Public Comments

1. Yes. You need to obtain a tax id code (ITIN) first but then you are in business. You apply for an ITIN using federal form W-7. If you are a student in the U S, you might already have one. Once you obtain the ITIN contact one of the larger on-line brokerage firms to open an account. You should be able to open one at Fidelity or TD Ameritrade or Scottrade. I am not certain of what each firm's requirements might be but one should be able to accomidate you.