I have a question and I thought you might be able to help.-

I have been in the US since I was 13( in 1995). Now I am 26. I have been on F1 visa since 2003. (on different visas before that)
I am currently working on OPT (in F1 status) for 1 year. My question is concerning taxation on income from 'investments' such as stocks /bonds/dividends.

1) Am I allowed to invest in stocks/bonds if I am on a non-immigrant visa such as F1, H1?
2) I read on IRS homepage about not having to pay taxes on "Portfolio Interest" on investments ,while on an F1 visa. Is that correct and does that mean I don't have to pay taxes on any interest/dividends in my brokerage account? Do I have to pay taxes on gains from my stocks/bonds gaining value? Does the same apply to gains earned from trading stock options?

I appreciate your help.:)

Sincerely
John C.

You will report sale of stocks on schedule D and the profit is taxable.

For nonresidents bank interest in not taxable. About portfolio interest? I don't have the information.