To a tax expert:

I am currently in J1 status and have been working in America for almost 18 months. On October 1 my status changes to H1B. I am planning to change my status to permanent resident in the future. In the meantime I would like to start saving for retirement, as soon as possible, cause time flies and I'm already 27.

I've been trying to open an IRA Roth account, but all mutual fund customer services I called couldn't give me one answer if I qualify for an account or not.

Since I do not meet the substantial presence test I am not a resident alien and I cannot sign the W-9 form. Most of them say they cannot accept investments from someone who doesn't have a green card. Some of them just didn't have enough knowledge to answer this question.

Can NR alien invest in IRA account? And if yes, which mutual fund companies offer it?

I would appreciate any advice you may have.

As far as I know, you CAN open an IRA account if you are working and earning income in the United States.

Try Charles Schwab; they should know if anyone would.