Can H1B Visa Holders Invest in Mutual Funds? | The Wandering Nerds (2024)

Over 40 million people living in the US today are immigrants and according to USCIS, about 580,000 are coming in on an H1B visa. These people are constantly faced with questions about various investment options one of which is: can H1B visa holders invest in mutual funds?

People living in the United States with an H1B visa can invest in mutual funds which is a form of investment where the money collected from investors is invested in various securities like stocks, bonds, and other assets.

However, there are various considerations, constraints, rules, and regulations that one needs to abide by before investing in mutual funds while on an H1B visa in order not to breach one’s visa restriction. In the course of this article, we will provide you with valuable information you need regarding investment in mutual funds while on an H1B visa. Let’s begin!

Legal Regulations and Rules to Consider Before Investing in Mutual Funds While on H1B Visa

Every year, millions of Americans, including those on an H1B visa permit, save for their retirement with various mediums like mutual funds. The federal government is in charge of regulating all security markets via the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), mutual funds included.

According to Investopedia, a mutual fund is a form of investment vehicle which offers shares to the public for investment. Mutual funds shares come in a stock fund, bond fund, market mix, and other categories.

For those living on an H1B visa permit looking to invest in mutual funds. As stated at the beginning of this article, you are allowed to. It does not violate your visa restriction. However, before you do, note that there are no direct rules, regulations, and limitations involved in the investment of mutual funds. Still, there are some legal information that you should be aware of. These include:

Before you invest in any investment scheme or packages in the United States while on an H1B visa, always check with your immigration advisor or attorney to ascertain if it would be in violation of your visa restriction. It is essential to note that you are not allowed to actively take part in most business opportunities like an average American with a green card.

The mutual fund regulation which dates back decades is one regulation that you need to be aware of. This regulation was specified in the Security Exchange Act of 1934 (SEA) which created the SEC, giving it command over the mutual fund industry.

Also, the Securities Act of 1933 states that investors are to receive specific information about securities that are offered for public sale.

Based on findings reported by Investopedia, the minimum investment amount for those on an H1B visa needed to invest in mutual funds ranges typically from $1,000 to $3,000. However, this amount can be more significant when it comes to institutional investor class funds. Also, some mutual funds companies allow investors, H1B visa holders included, to buy in without any minimum – meaning that with $10, $50, or $100, you can invest.

Not all mutual funds pay interest on investment. It depends on the assets held by the user in their fund portfolio. Only mutual funds like bond funds, money market funds, and interest-bearing funds pay interest to H1B visa holders because of their coupon-bearing debt security that they invest.

Tax Liability of Mutual Fund Investments for H1B Visa Holders

In the United States, the payment of tax is arguably held highly more than anywhere in the world. Even those who live in the United States with several immigration visas like those with an H1B visa are not exempted. However, investing is a good way to generate income, and your earnings are subject to taxation just like every other type of income. But with mutual funds, taxation can be quite a burden in some cases.

The income you are liable to receive from your mutual fund’s investment can be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains depending on how long your fund has held their assets, unlike when you invest in individual stock where your taxation based on your capital gain is not affected by how long you have held shares in a mutual fund. It is instead based on the time frame the mutual fund holds the assets that are in its portfolio.

In mutual funds, the distribution of dividends is usually taxed at the ordinary rate of income tax, with the exception of when they are considered to be dividends. Your income and short term capital gains are also taxed at the usual ordinary income for the tax bracket of an investor. Whereas, long term capital gains that are shared by mutual funds are taxed the same way as long term capital gains for individual bonds and stock.

The tax rate for capital gains is always lower than that of an income tax rate; however, the difference in their rates varies sometimes. If you make less than $78,750, you do not need to pay tax on your capital gain. But those who make up to $433,550 are mandated to pay a 15% tax on capital gains, and those you make in excess of that figure shall pay a 20% tax on their capital gains.

For instance, assuming you make exactly $80,000 and you receive $1,000 as your income from an investment after the sale of the stock. If you have been holding that investment for a year or more, you are mandated to pay $150 as your tax, which is equivalent to 15%. But if it’s a short-term gain, you shall pay the amount of $280 as your tax.

It is important to note that some international funds are not taxed due to the foreign tax credit. And in order to prevent double taxing, the IRS permits a credit for foreign taxes already paid.

Alternative Safe Investment Options for H1B Visa Holders

As an H1B visa holder living in the United States, in the absence of mutual funds investment, there are several other safe investment options that, to some is better than mutual funds, and to others, is just a common retirement investment saving plan. We’ll be showing some of the safe options of investment for H1B visa holders below:

401k

The 401k investment plan is a type of investment package offered by H1B visa sponsors. It is one of the most effective and easiest ways to save your money ahead of your retirement. As long as you are in a tax bracket of 10% and above, you are eligible to invest in the 401k. One of the main advantages of the 401k savings account is that you can save a portion of your salary directly to the account automatically.

Traditional IRA

The traditional Individual Retirement Savings account (IRA) is to many people, the most popular way to save for retirement if you are living in the United States with an H1B visa. In this type of saving, participants make savings deposits to an account, and then it grows tax-free. You only pay tax when you wish to make a withdrawal from your total savings upon retirement. However, there are certain withdrawal conditions and rules.

One of the main advantages of the traditional IRA is that you have a tax break on your contributions, a flexible investment choice, and a tax-deferred growth.

SEP IRA

SEP-IRA, otherwise known as Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Account. This type of account has a common feature with the Roth IRA account; it allows your money in the account to grow without taxes until you decide to make a withdrawal. Some of the main benefits of the SEP-IRA account are that you have a bigger saving limit than that of the traditional IRA account, tax-deferred growth, and a totally complete flexible choice.

Roth IRA

The Roth IRA account is also another investment option open to people living in the United States with an H1B visa. It is different from the traditional IRA account in that your savings grows in the account, tax-free, and also, you will be able to withdraw your money when you retire without paying tax at the detriment of continuing to save regularly after tax. The main benefit of this savings option is that it has flexible use of your savings for expenses such as college fees. It also provides the benefit of a tax-free withdrawal when you retire and a no-tax payment upon withdrawal.

401k Solo

This is another saving option where you have to win a business or a temporary side job before you can take part.

Health Savings Account

This savings account is commonly known as HSA. This account has various uses which are not only for health-related purposes, but its main purpose is to provide Americans with an adequate health plan. The plan gives rewards to people who are able to hold on to some of their money in the account until their retirement age. Eligibility for this saving plan starts at a minimum of $1,500 – $7,000. However, this amount varies sometimes.

Other investment options open to H1B visa holders in the US include angel investing, real estate, and day trading. Choose one today and grow your wealth!

  1. Budiman. (2020, August 21). Key findings about U.S. immigrants. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/08/20/key-findings-about-u-s-immigrants/
  2. (n.d.). Internal Revenue Service | An official website of the United States government. https://www.irs.gov/
  3. Kagan. (n.d.). What is a foreign tax credit? Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/foreign-tax-credit.asp
  4. The laws that govern the securities industry. (2013, October 1). SEC.gov. https://www.sec.gov/answers/about-lawsshtml.html
  5. Palmer. (n.d.). Mutual funds: Advantages and disadvantages. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/10/mutual-funds-advantages-disadvantages.asp
  6. Sangani. (2020, June 28). US has just over 580,000 H-1B visa holders, says USCIS. The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/visa-and-immigration/us-has-just-over-580000-h-1b-visa-holders-says-uscis/articleshow/76676250.cms?from=mdr
  7. SEC.gov | HOME. (2017, February 5). https://www.sec.gov/
  8. What is the minimum amount of money that I can invest in a mutual fund? (n.d.). Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/111714/what-minimum-amount-money-i-can-invest-mutual-fund.asp
Can H1B Visa Holders Invest in Mutual Funds? | The Wandering Nerds (2024)

FAQs

Can H1B Visa Holders Invest in Mutual Funds? | The Wandering Nerds? ›

People living in the United States with an H1B visa can invest in mutual funds which is a form of investment where the money collected from investors is invested in various securities like stocks, bonds, and other assets.

What are the investment options for H1B visa holders? ›

They can buy and sell stocks like any other retail investor. There are no rules that says H1B holder cannot do stock trading in the US. H1B holders can create an account from one of the online stock brokers like Robinhood, Ameritrade, etc and start buying and selling stocks.

Can a person on H1B invest in stocks? ›

​H1B visa holder can buy or sell real estate or any other property in USA. H1B visa holder can invest in the stock market as well.

Can you open a brokerage account on H1B? ›

An H-1B visa holder is perfectly eligible to do stock trading in the U.S., provided he has a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and a personal bank account in the country; to be able to open a trading account with one of the online stock brokers in the U.S.

Can H1B visa holders have side hustles? ›

While you are on an H1B visa, you can work only for your authorized employer specified on your I-129. However, there may be reasons that you want to generate additional income outside of your work. Most ways of generating additional income on an H1B visa are prohibited.

Can H1B visa holder invest in mutual funds? ›

People living in the United States with an H1B visa can invest in mutual funds which is a form of investment where the money collected from investors is invested in various securities like stocks, bonds, and other assets.

Can I invest in India from USA on H1B? ›

Investing in and starting companies while on an H1B visa is not prohibited but it can be challenging. There may be hurdles that you have to jump through and you have to be careful that your activities do not cross into “unauthorized work” and compromise your status.

Can I buy a house on H1B visa? ›

Can an H1B Visa holder buy a house in the USA? Yes, H1B visa holders can buy a house in the US without any restriction. All US non-citizens, either US residents or non-residents, can purchase and own a home or property in the US.

Can I invest in Bitcoin on H1B? ›

The profits and losses you make trading cryptocurrency are considered capital gains and capital losses. This means whether you are on an F1, H1B, J1, L1, OPT, or a refugee, you are allowed to trade all kinds of different cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ripple.

Can I buy Bitcoin on H1B? ›

What is this? So essentially, regardless of your visa type, you can invest and trade cryptocurrency in the U.S. No matter if you are F1, H1B, J1, L1, OPT, or a refugee, you are allowed to trade. However, do keep in mind that you have to report your earnings to IRS. This is important.

Does Fidelity hire H1B? ›

Fidelity Investments is not a H1B Dependent Employer.

How to save taxes on H1B visa? ›

Below are a few handy H1-B tax-saving tips that will help you with your next tax return.
  1. Keep the W-2 form handy. ...
  2. Make investments. ...
  3. Claim spousal exemption. ...
  4. Pay tax on your worldwide income. ...
  5. Declare all your financial interest. ...
  6. Declare your dependents. ...
  7. Claim your Medicare for the period you were on OPT.
Nov 15, 2022

Can H1B have side income? ›

Investing: Investing can be one of the passive ways to earn on H1B as long as you are not professionally day-trading. Yes, you can invest your money in Stocks, CDs, Money-market equivalents, Cryptocurrencies, etc., and let it grow. This would give you dividends over a period which can become your passive income.

Is it illegal to work 2 jobs on H-1B? ›

Yes. An H-1B visa holder can work for two or more employers. Of course, this is only possible through the second concurrent H-1B application. The H-1B visa holder will have to file an H-1B petition to the USCIS via their new employer to work both jobs.

Can H-1B work on 2 jobs? ›

All too common misconception about H1B's is that an H1B holder can only work for one employer at one time. In fact, those valid H1B status are eligible to work for multiple H1B employers as long as the additional employer(s) are willing to file a Concurrent H1B petition on their behalf.

Can wives of H-1B work? ›

However, until recently, H1B spouses were not allowed to work, which often placed a significant financial burden on families, he said. "With the court's decision to allow H1B visa holders' spouses to work, thousands of families across the country will be able to breathe a little easier.

Can non US citizens invest in mutual funds? ›

The purchase of U.S. mutual funds by non-U.S. residents is restricted in order to comply with U.S. regulations. As a result of this, non-U.S. resident clients may only hold or redeem existing U.S. mutual fund share positions, initial or subsequent purchases are not permitted.

Which is the permitted to invest in mutual funds? ›

UPSC Mains. Q. Mutual funds in India are permitted to invest in which of the following? Notes: Mutual funds in India are permitted to invest in Securities, Gold and Real Estate.

Is it permissible to invest in mutual funds? ›

According to the Islamic law, a Muslim is not allowed to invest in all categories of funds. There are certain restrictions on their investment type. Shariah Compliant Mutual Funds are those which invest within the boundaries of the Islamic laws.

How much money can H1B send to India? ›

The IRS has no limit on how much money your friends or family can send to India. However, above $11.7 million USD, they'll be liable for taxes.

How long can you be in India on H1B? ›

Working for a US company from Europe, Canada, the UK, and India does not count as your H1B time when you go for a project that spans more than 6 weeks. Once you leave the US, H1B is out of the picture completely unless you left for a short duration like 1 to 6 weeks.

How much income tax in usa for indian H1B visa holders? ›

If you work in the US as an H1B worker, you can expect to pay between 25-35% of your wages in federal, state, and local taxes. These taxes will include: Federal income tax. Local income tax (depending on where you live)

Can H-1B buy land in USA? ›

When you are on an H1B, you are to work solely for your sponsor employer, and you can do whatever you wish with your income. So yes, you can invest in several real estate properties.

Can my parents live with me in USA on H-1B? ›

One of the most common questions H-1B workers ask is "Can my family come to the United States with me?" Fortunately, the answer is in most cases yes.

How long can I live in USA H-1B? ›

The H-1B is a Specialty Occupation work authorization visa with a cumulative maximum duration of 6 years. The initial period of stay for those in H-1B status is three (3) years, with extensions available for up to three (3) years thereafter.

Does IRS check Bitcoin? ›

Yes, the IRS can track cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, Ether and a huge variety of other cryptocurrencies.

How can H1B get green card? ›

If I Already Have an H1B Visa, Can I Apply for a Green Card? Yes, all H1B visa applicants are eligible to apply for a green card after their H1B expires because it is a dual-intent visa. If a work permit is of dual-intent, that means that you have the option to submit paperwork for a green card.

How much we can save in USA on H1B? ›

For bigger cities, this could be between $2,000 and $3,500. However, in smaller cities, you could get a double bedroom apartment for as less as $800.

Does Amazon take H1B? ›

A new analysis by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), based on data from the USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub, found that Amazon had the most approved H-1B petitions for initial employment in FY 2022, with 6,396. It also had the most new H-1B petitions approved in FY 2021 and FY 2020.

Can H1B rent on Airbnb? ›

An H1B visa holder can do Airbnb because he or she owns their property legally, and there aren't any regulations or laws restricting them from doing so. Since setting up your home for Airbnb can be described as a passive income because you aren't getting involved in a significant way, it is perfectly legal.

Can I open a restaurant on H1B? ›

If you are on H1B, you are in the US to work for a specific company to do a specific job. Nothing more. Yes, a person in H-1B status can open a restaurant (or any other business) in the U.S. However, s/he is not permitted to have ANY active involvement in the business as that would be a violation of the H-1B status.

Does Vanguard hire H-1B? ›

What is the H1B Approval Rate for the Vanguard Group ? the Vanguard Group filed 44 LCAs in fiscal year 2023, of which 39 were approved and 0 were denied. Also, the Vanguard Group filed 0 with USCIS and 0 were approved and 0 were denied. The H1B LCA Approval rate ≈ 88% .

Can H-1B workers have 401k? ›

You will have no problem maintaining this account as a non-citizen. You may withdraw all or part of the funds from the 401k or IRA before age 59 1/2 for any reason, but you will owe federal income tax and a 10% early withdrawal penalty. After age 59 1/2, you will only owe income tax.

Is it easy to get a job in US with H-1B? ›

The H1B Visa is one of the most competitive visas to apply for. Due to there being an annual visa cap, there is a huge demand from US employers applying for this visa. Additionally, since it is a route to a Green Card, it is one of the best visas to apply to work in the US.

What is the downside of H-1B? ›

Lottery. The first and greatest drawback of the H-1B visa is the fact that there is an annual limit on how many petitions are approved each year. While other visas also have a limit, they are not as easy to obtain and so that limit is rarely reached.

What is the drawback of H1B visa? ›

However, once an H-1B employee is hired, he or she cannot be treated differently from similarly situated U.S. workers. Your employer can terminate your employment (or you can quit) at any time for any, or for no, reason at all. As soon as your employment is terminated, you are technically out of H-1B status.

Is it easy to convert H-1B to green card? ›

The Green Card application process is, however, typically protracted and involves multiple stages, with no guarantee of a successful outcome. This means going from the H1B to Green Card requires careful planning to ensure you follow the correct timings and process, and to avoid issues or even a refused application.

What is the three for one rule for H-1B? ›

The Three-For-One Rule

When making a determination whether a foreign national possesses the required academic credentials necessary for an H-1B occupation, the USCIS will consider three years of specialized training and/or work experience to be the equivalent of one year of college education.

Can I take vacation between jobs on H-1B? ›

Extensions of Status and Changes of Employer

You can travel internationally and reenter the U.S. while your H-1B status is being extended or transferred from one employer to another, provided you have a valid I-797 Approval Notice and a valid H-1B visa (unless visa-exempt or eligible for automatic visa revalidation).

Can H1B work remotely? ›

You can work from home if your H1B petition has your home address listed as the 'work location' permanently. If your current approved H1B does not list your home address, then you need to file an H1B Amendment to get USCIS permission to work from home.

Can we work more than 40 hours on H1B? ›

There is no rule as to the minimum number of hours to be provided by the employer to the H 1b visa holder in their part-time employment. The only condition that needs to be satisfied to qualify or be considered as a part-time employee is to work less than 35 hours per week for the employer.

How many employers can I have on H1B? ›

Holding an H1B and working for two companies

H1B visa holders are allowed to have “concurrent employment” so they can work for two companies. The second employer must file an H1B petition on behalf of the potential employee with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

How much does it cost to get an H1B extension? ›

H-1B Transfer Cost and H-1B Extension Fees

The H-1B transfer cost for a new employer includes the Public Law and anti-fraud fees, but it is unnecessary to pay for another H-1B visa application fee. Therefore, an H-1B extension fee is only $460 for the I-129 filing.

How many times can you apply for H1B lottery? ›

In fact, there's no limit on how many times you can apply. But USCIS suggests only applying again if there is a significant change in your education or circ*mstances to avoid further denials.

How long can you be between jobs on H1B? ›

To answer your first question, there is a 60-day maximum grace period for an H-1B worker once the employment ends. Therefore, if your job ends Friday, you will have a maximum of 60 days to arrange for another employer to submit an H-1B petition for you, change to another status, or depart the United States.

What are the job rules for H-1B? ›

H-1B Visa Eligibility

In order to be eligible for the H1B visa, you will need: A valid job offer from a U.S. employer for a role that requires specialty knowledge. Proof of a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in that field. Your employer must show that there is a lack of qualified U.S. applicants for the role.

Do H-1B workers get benefits? ›

Benefits include the opportunity to participate in such programs such as: • Health, life, disability, and other insurance plans; Retirement and savings plans; • Cash bonuses; and • Non-cash compensation such as stock options (whether or not performance-based).

Can H1B visa holder buy investment property? ›

While in the US on an H-1B, you are permitted to invest in a rental property and become a landlord. Landlording can be a lucrative way to generate passive income and build wealth. While you can be a landlord without violating your visa, you should take into consideration all of the risks before investing.

How can I make extra money on H1B? ›

Investing: Investing can be one of the passive ways to earn on H1B as long as you are not professionally day-trading. Yes, you can invest your money in Stocks, CDs, Money-market equivalents, Cryptocurrencies, etc., and let it grow. This would give you dividends over a period which can become your passive income.

Can I put Airbnb on H1B? ›

Yes, H1B visa holders can legally do Airbnb while on an H1b visa. The same regulations that apply to vacation rental properties also apply to Airbnb rentals. However, it is important to make sure you are in compliance with local laws and regulations regarding short-term rentals.

Can I buy land in USA on H1B? ›

Yes, you can buy land in the United States on an H1B visa. You will need to provide proof of funds to cover the purchase price of the land, as well as any associated costs. Please note that you may not be able to get a mortgage to finance the purchase of land, so you will need to pay for it in cash.

Can I give house on rent on H1B? ›

According to our professionals, there are no restrictions on H1B visa holders buying and managing rental properties.

Can I get a green card if I buy a property in USA? ›

Essentially, investing in a business or buying a property in the U.S. could give you permanent residency. Of course, you have to fulfill the EB-5 program requirements first, like investing at least $800,000 or $1,050,000, depending on the location. As well as create at least 10 full-time jobs.

Can I own LLC on H1B? ›

An H-1B holder can own a limited liability company (LLC) only if they are a passive investor who does not work for the company in any capacity. Their H-1B visa cannot be sponsored by the LLC, and their activities with the LLC must not constitute unauthorized employment.

Is it illegal to work 2 jobs on H1B? ›

Yes. An H-1B visa holder can work for two or more employers. Of course, this is only possible through the second concurrent H-1B application. The H-1B visa holder will have to file an H-1B petition to the USCIS via their new employer to work both jobs.

What is the 3 1 rule H1B? ›

The Three-For-One Rule

When making a determination whether a foreign national possesses the required academic credentials necessary for an H-1B occupation, the USCIS will consider three years of specialized training and/or work experience to be the equivalent of one year of college education.

Can H1B work on 2 jobs? ›

All too common misconception about H1B's is that an H1B holder can only work for one employer at one time. In fact, those valid H1B status are eligible to work for multiple H1B employers as long as the additional employer(s) are willing to file a Concurrent H1B petition on their behalf.

Is it advisable to buy home on H1B visa? ›

The value of your home may appreciate over time, and you may also build equity by paying down your mortgage. Additionally, owning a home can give you tax breaks that renting does not. So, if you have plans to be a permanent resident of the US, then buying a house on your H1B visa is a wise decision.

Can I moonlight on H1B visa? ›

H-1B visas are employer-specific. In other words, H-1B visa holders may only work for the employer who sponsored it. In order to moonlight or work for another employer, the physician must apply for another H-1B visa to be sponsored by a second employer (concurrent H-1B Visa).

How long can you go without a job on H1B? ›

You can stay in the US for 60 days if you lose your H1-B job. USCIS allows a grace period of up to 60 days for non-immigrant workers in E-1, E-2, E-3, H1B, H1B1, L-1, O-1, and TN status.

How long does it take to get green card from H1B visa? ›

Be prepared to spend anywhere between 6 months to 2 years for green card processing time from an H1B. The PERM Labor Certification takes 6 to 18 months. Your I-140 approval depends upon your priority date and your country of origin.

How long can I be outside USA on H1B? ›

As a general principle, days spent outside of the United States during the validity period of an H-1B petition will not be counted toward the 6-year maximum period of stay in the United States in H-1B status. Any trip of at least one 24-hour day outside the U.S. for any purpose, personal or business, can be recaptured.

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