I'm on H1B visa, early on my MMM journey (assuming I can get a PR in the near future). 401K through my employer, enabled me to open other investment accounts with Fidelity.
Called Vanguard just now to open a brokerage account, and this is after I tried to apply online. From the online system, I gathered that I was a "non-resident alien", simply because i'm neither a US citizen nor a GC holder. Subsequent to this, the agent told me "Sir, this is a recorded conversation....,... as a non-resident alien, we can open a brokerage account, but you would've access to only Vanguard funds.." fine no worries, this is exactly what i want!; "but you cannot open a retirement account with us". Darn!! No IRAs, not for me or the wife.
Whose definition should i consider for the "residency test"? USCIS (which is the US citizenship/green card) or IRS (for which i file taxes as a resident alien)? Any similar experiences out there?
I do see that this discussion came up before , more than an 1-1/2 years ago, here
http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/investor-alley/vanguard-alternatives-non-us-citizensgreen-card-holders/. I want to do the right thing, but getting ambiguous information, and hope somebody here might be able to guide the likes of me.
I was left shaken by the heavy handed approach of the agent, and hence this post. TIA.