How to Apply for Your ITIN from Outside the US

🧾 How to Apply for an ITIN from Abroad

When filing your US taxes, one of the first things you’ll need is a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

This can be either:

• A Social Security Number (SSN), or

• An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you’re not eligible for an SSN.

If you only need to file Form 8843 (and have no taxable income), you likely don’t need an ITIN.
But if you’ve earned taxable US income and don’t qualify for an SSN, you’ll need to apply for an ITIN.

Here’s how to do it — even if you’re currently outside the United States.

💡 Why You Might Need an ITIN

You may need an ITIN if you are:

• A nonresident alien receiving taxable scholarship, fellowship, or grant income

• Claiming a tax treaty benefit

• Filing a US tax return

• Claiming a tax refund

Your ITIN is unique and must be included on your tax documents.

🌍 Applying for Your ITIN from Abroad

Step 1: Complete and Sign Form W-7
Start by completing and signing Form W-7 – the IRS application for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

You can easily prepare your W-7 application online with J1 Summer Tax Back Forms.

Step 2: Get Your Identification Documents Certified
You’ll need certified copies of your identity documents (such as your passport).

If you’re outside the US, you have a few options:

• Contact your passport office in your home country

• Visit a US Embassy or Consulate (by appointment)

• Go through a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) authorized by the IRS

Certified copies are required — never send your original documents.

Step 3: Mail Your Application to the IRS

📮
Internal Revenue Service
Austin Service Center
ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342

📬 If You’re Applying While Filing Your Tax Return

If you’re applying for an ITIN at the same time as filing your Form 1040-NR, include:

• Your completed Form W-7

• Your Form 1040-NR (nonresident tax return)

• A certified copy of your passport

Your passport copy must be certified by one of the following:
✅ The department that issued your ID
✅ A US Embassy or Consulate
✅ A Certified Acceptance Agent (IRS official)

🗓 Applying Before Filing Your Tax Return

If you’re applying for your ITIN before filing your tax return, your university or program sponsor may be able to certify your documents (for example, your passport, visa, and I-20/DS-2019).

Alternatively, you can get certified help through a local IRS office or CAA.

📄 Documents You’ll Need

You must provide proof of identity and foreign status.

The passport is the only document accepted by the IRS for both.
If you don’t have a passport, provide two or more of the following:

• National ID card (with photo, name, address, DOB, and expiry date)

• US or foreign driver’s license

• Civil birth certificate

• US state ID card

• Foreign voter’s card

• Military ID (US or foreign)

• USCIS photo ID

• Medical/school records (for dependents under 25)

⏱ How Long Does It Take?

• Normal processing time: 6–8 weeks

• During tax season (Jan–Apr): expect delays

✅ Apply early to avoid missing deadlines!

🔎 How to Check Your ITIN Status

You can check your ITIN application status 7 weeks after submission by calling the IRS at:
📞 +1 267-941-1000 (outside the US)

🧮 Who can help you?

J1 Summer Tax Back helps you prepare your ITIN application quickly, securely, and in full compliance with the IRS.

✅ Personalized guidance
✅ 100% online process
✅ Fewer errors, more peace of mind