In this article, we will explain how to obtain an ITIN number for illegal immigrants. This will include the specific documents that can be used to demonstrate foreign status and identity, along with a few important nuances to consider before applying.
This article is a departure from our regular content, which primarily focuses on assisting foreign non-residents without tax IDs bank the United States. However, many of the same lessons apply, so we thought it would be fitting to share more specific details on the process.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- ITIN Number for Illegal Immigrants
- Who Can Apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Explore Your Options?
ITIN Number for Illegal Immigrants
ITIN numbers for illegal immigrants refer to Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) that can be obtained regardless of a person’s immigration status. ITINs enable illegal immigrants to file federal income tax and establish a credit history in the United States. However, ITINs do not provide authorization to reside or work in the United States.
If you are looking to open an account with a financial institution that has a physical presence in the US, obtaining an ITIN will be an important step in most cases. This is especially true if you want to open an account with a limited initial deposit.
As we have shared elsewhere, it is possible for foreigners to open without an ITIN, however, deposit requirements and onboarding criteria are often more challenging for illegal immigrants to meet. Therefore, these banks are typically not the best fit.
To obtain an ITIN, an individual must complete an application via Form W-7 with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). That said, to be approved for an ITIN, an individual must have a valid reporting requirement under the Internal Revenue Code of the United States. In other words, ITINs are only issued to individuals who actually need them to meet their tax filing requirements.
In the case of illegal immigrants, they still have a tax reporting requirement, regardless of their immigration status. So, illegal immigrants typically meet the requirements for obtaining an ITIN number from the IRS.
That said, there are challenges to obtaining ITIN numbers for illegal immigrants, including proving their connection to a foreign country, which the IRS calls “foreign status”. With this in mind, here is a list of the 13 documents that the IRS accepts to establish the “foreign status” and the identity of an applicant.
Documents to Prove Foreign Status & Identification
- Passport
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services photo ID (USCIS)
- Valid US visa
- Military identification card (foreign)
- National identification card (foreign)
- Voter registration card (foreign)
- Birth certificate (foreign)
- Medical records if under 6 years old (foreign)
- School records if under 18 years old (foreign)
Documents to Prove Identification Only
- Driver’s license (US)
- Driver’s license (foreign)
- Military identification card (US)
- US state identification card
Importantly, before submitting any documents or applying for an ITIN we encourage prospective applicants to seek advice from qualified professionals who can help guide them through the process. This can help ensure that information is submitted correctly without any possible negative impact.
Before diving in any further, if this is your first time visiting GlobalBanks, don’t forget to download your FREE US Banking Starter Guide. It’s designed to help non-residents with opening bank accounts at top financial institutions in the US.
Who Can Apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can be applied for by anyone with a federal filing or reporting requirement in the United States. To obtain an ITIN, an individual must complete IRS Form W-7 and validate their reason for obtaining an ITIN and their identity.
However, it’s important to note that both residents and non-residents are eligible to obtain an ITIN, though certain conditions do apply. With this in mind, here’s a closer look at everyone that can obtain an ITIN to meet their filing requirements.
- Non-resident foreigners are required to file a US tax return
- Dependents of US citizens or residents
- Dependents of non-resident foreigners
- Non-resident foreigners claiming tax treaty benefits
- Non-resident foreigners with academic status
Importantly, regardless of whether someone falls into any of these categories, in order to receive an ITIN, they must have a US filing or reporting requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are three of the most common questions that we receive from people looking at an ITIN number for illegal immigrants. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
How Do I Get an ITIN Number as an Immigrant?
An ITIN number can be obtained as an immigrant from the IRS by completing Form W-7 and confirming an individual’s need to meet filing or reporting requirements with the IRS. Importantly, both residents and non-resident foreigners are eligible to receive an ITIN as long as they can prove their need to file tax-related documents.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for an ITIN Number?
The cost to apply for an ITIN number is free if you submit your application directly to the IRS. To do so, you will need to file IRS Form W-7, which requires proving foreign status and the identity of the applicant. Additionally, each applicant is required to demonstrate their federal filing or reporting requirement to validate their need for an ITIN.
Can I Get an ITIN Without a Social Security Number?
Yes, you can get an ITIN without a Social Security Number (SSN). In fact, an ITIN is an alternative tax processing number to the SSN. Therefore, you cannot receive an ITIN if you already have an SSN.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
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