Janice Lozano
International students who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) may apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). An ITIN is a tax processing number that the IRS issues to individuals who need to report income but are ineligible to obtain an SSN. International students with non-wage income, such as taxable scholarships, grants, or fellowships, may need an ITIN to file their taxes. The application process for an ITIN involves submitting Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, along with relevant supporting documents. It is recommended to initiate the application process as early as possible to avoid delays during peak tax processing times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for ITIN | International students, scholars, faculty, or staff who are not eligible for an SSN |
| When to apply for ITIN | At any time of the year with a tax filing requirement |
| Where to apply for ITIN | International student office at the university |
| Documents required | Form W-7, “Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number” |
| Processing time | 6-11 weeks |
| Application deadline | November 30, 2025 |
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What You'll Learn
International students with non-wage income
International students in the United States need to file tax forms each year with the IRS, the federal agency that collects taxes. If you are not working, you will need to apply for an ITIN to report any non-wage income when filing these taxes. Common examples of taxable non-wage income for international students include scholarships, grants, or fellowships received.
However, if you do not have any non-wage income to report, you will not need or be eligible for an ITIN when you file your taxes as an international student. Instead, you will only need to file Form 8843, "Statement for Exempt Individuals and Individuals With a Medical Condition", as part of your annual federal tax filing process.
If you are a tax non-resident, you should use Glacier Tax Prep (GTP) to prepare your US federal income tax form. GTP will determine if an ITIN is needed and will prepare the ITIN application form if required. You can apply for an ITIN at any time of the year when you have a tax filing requirement.
The ITIN application process can take 7-11 weeks, although it can take longer during peak tax processing times (March or April) and if you apply from overseas. You can check the status of your ITIN number application by calling the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040.
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ITIN applications during peak tax processing times
International students and scholars who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This includes students and scholars in F-1, J-1, M-1, and Q-1 non-immigrant status who are employed in the United States.
If you are filing your ITIN application during peak tax processing times, such as March or April, it can take months to process, although you will usually hear back from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) within 6 weeks. It is important to note that if you are a J-1 student or scholar, you should not apply for an ITIN and instead apply for an SSN.
The ITIN application process typically takes 7 weeks to receive a status update, but this can extend to 9-11 weeks during tax season (January 15 to April 30) or if you are applying from overseas. To apply for an ITIN, you can use Form W-7 or Form W-7 (SP) in Spanish, which can be submitted by mail or in person. When submitting Form W-7, you must also provide original documents or certified copies, such as a passport, birth certificate, or marriage certificate. It is recommended to avoid sending original documents to the IRS.
Additionally, international students can utilize web-based tax preparation software like GLACIER Tax Prep (GTP) to determine if an ITIN is required. GTP will prepare the ITIN application form if needed. It is advised to apply for your ITIN as soon as possible, and the deadline for ITIN applications is typically November 30 of the respective year.
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Eligibility for international students in F-1 or J-1 visa status
International students in F-1 or J-1 visa status are eligible to be employed in the United States and can, therefore, apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). To be eligible for an SSN, students must be employed in the US. F-1 students who have secured on-campus employment, are receiving for-service fellowships, or are working off-campus with OPT or CPT are eligible for an SSN. J-1 students require a letter of permission to work from their sponsor (Yale or an outside organization, e.g. Fulbright).
Students in F-1 or J-1 visa status who are being paid by their university (e.g. compensation, taxable scholarship, fellowship, prize, or award) are advised to apply for an SSN as soon as possible. The application process takes 3-4 weeks, and students should report their SSN to their school registrar.
International students who are not eligible for an SSN may apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if they have a valid tax reason. For example, students who receive a non-service fellowship that includes money for living expenses will need an ITIN. J-1 students and scholars are eligible for SSNs and should not apply for ITINs.
To apply for an ITIN, students can use GLACIER Tax Prep (GTP), which is web-based tax preparation software. GTP will determine if an ITIN is needed and will prepare the ITIN application form. Students can also apply for an ITIN by mailing Form W-7, a tax return, proof of identity, and foreign status documents to the Internal Revenue Service.
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International students with U.S. source income
International students with U.S.-source income are required to file their tax returns if they were in the U.S. during the previous calendar year and earned income. International students on F-1 visas are considered non-resident aliens for tax purposes and are taxed only on U.S.-source income.
If you are an international student with a U.S. source of income and do not have an SSN, you will need an ITIN to pay taxes on non-wage income. You will need to apply for an ITIN if you are not working yet but still have non-wage income to report on your taxes. Common examples of taxable non-wage income for international students include taxable scholarships, grants, or fellowships received from U.S. sources.
If you are an international student with a U.S. source of income and are eligible for an SSN, you should apply for an SSN instead of an ITIN. F-1 students who have secured on-campus employment, are receiving for-service fellowships, or are working off-campus are eligible for an SSN. J-1 students are also eligible for Social Security numbers and should not apply for ITINs.
To apply for an ITIN, you can use Form W-7 or Form W-7 (SP) in Spanish. You can apply at any time of the year when you have a tax-filing requirement. If you are a University of Michigan/Ann Arbor international student, you can use GLACIER Tax Prep free of charge to prepare your U.S. federal income tax form. GLACIER Tax Prep will print an ITIN application form (Form W-7) for you if you need an ITIN.
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Using ITIN to access U.S. financial products
International students and scholars who are not eligible for a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This includes F and J students and scholars who are non-residents for U.S. tax purposes and have received "non-service" scholarships or fellowships (no work required). Obtaining an ITIN can be a challenging process, but it is an important step towards achieving financial stability in the U.S.
Once you have obtained your ITIN, you can use it to access various U.S. financial products and services. Here are some ways you can use your ITIN to access the U.S. financial system:
Opening a Bank Account
Several banks and credit unions in the U.S. accept ITINs as a form of identification for opening bank accounts. This includes traditional banks like Citibank, Wells Fargo, HSBC, and Chase, as well as online banking options and "neobanks." Neobanks are government-regulated financial technology platforms that offer digital access to American bank accounts without requiring an SSN or ITIN. Examples of neobanks include Wise and Revolut, which offer multi-currency accounts and access to various foreign bank accounts.
Running a Business
Having an ITIN allows you to run your own business in the U.S. You can use your ITIN to open a business checking account and access other business financial services. This enables you to manage your business finances securely and efficiently.
Building Credit History
Opening a bank account with your ITIN is an important step towards building a history of good credit in the U.S. This credit history can later help you access other financial products and services, such as loans, mortgages, or credit cards.
Accessing Investment Opportunities
With a bank account and a stable financial foundation, you can start exploring investment opportunities in the U.S. market. This could include investing in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other financial instruments to potentially grow your wealth over time.
Applying for Loans
While an ITIN does not replace an SSN for all purposes, it can still be useful for accessing certain loan products. Some lenders may accept ITINs as a form of identification when applying for personal loans, business loans, or even mortgages. However, it is important to note that loan options may be more limited compared to having an SSN.
In conclusion, obtaining an ITIN is a crucial step for international students and scholars who are not eligible for an SSN. It provides access to essential financial products and services, enabling individuals to manage their finances, build credit, and work towards their financial goals while in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is for international students and scholars who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). If you are receiving non-service fellowships, grants, or scholarships that include money for living expenses, you will need an ITIN.
To apply for an ITIN, you must submit Form W-7, “Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number”, with a U.S. tax return. You can apply at any time of the year where you have a tax filing requirement. You can check the status of your ITIN number application by calling the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040.
Yes, you can apply for an SSN at a later date if you become eligible. This will not cause any problems.
The deadline to apply for an ITIN is November 30, 2025. However, it is advised not to apply during peak tax processing times (March or April) as the process can take months.
