In the United States, getting a valid identification number is essential for many important tasks, such as completing taxes and accessing financial services like bank accounts and credit cards.
The two primary identification numbers used are the Social Security Number (SSN) and the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). While they serve similar functions, they differ in their eligibility criteria, requirements, and application processes.
This article will discuss how to decide which is right for you and provide an overview of how to apply for an SSN or ITIN.
SSN vs. ITIN - which is right for you?
An SSN and ITIN are both nine-digit ID numbers issued by the U.S. Government, which serve as a unique ID number for individuals filing taxes.
An SSN is for U.S. citizens and non-citizen residents with legal authorization to work. This includes permanent residents, foreign nationals working in the U.S. on non-immigrant work visas (i.e. H1-Bs, L-1s, O-1s, and related visas), and international students working through the OPT or CPT programs.
An SSN is necessary for employment and taxes reporting, but is also used as an ID number when you apply for financial products, access government benefits, and carry out other everyday tasks.
An ITIN is for individuals with foreign status who are not authorized to work, but who still need to pay taxes.
This includes:
International students who are not working but have taxable non-wage income, like scholarships/grants from U.S. sources or investment income
Undocumented aliens and nonresident aliens that conduct business in the United States
Foreign nationals with entities that operate in the U.S., including foreign corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates
Though an ITIN is primarily used as a tax identification number, it may help to unlock other services too. For instance, several banks let you open a bank account or apply for a credit card with an ITIN in the place of an SSN.
Note: no one should have both an ITIN and a SSN at the same time. If one’s SSN application is pending, an ITIN will not be issued even if the individual applies for it.
Also read: SSN vs. ITIN: the Differences Explained
How to apply for an SSN
To apply for an SSN, you can submit a request online. After your online request is submitted, you must bring in supporting documentation to your local Social Security office within 45 days.
For additional guidance on this process, read:
You should receive your SSN card within two weeks of submitting your documentation.
If you are applying for an immigrant visa (i.e. permanent residency), there is a new process to apply for an SSN during your visa application process while still in your home country. Your new SSN card will be mailed to you once you arrive in the U.S.
How to apply for an ITIN
To apply for an ITIN, you should mail a W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), your tax return, proof of identity, and foreign status to the IRS at the following address.
Internal Revenue Service
Austin Service Center, ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342
For additional guidance on this process, read:
How to get an ITIN as an international student (including exceptions to submitting a tax return)
If you do not feel comfortable mailing in your proof of identity and foreign status documents, you can also apply through an Acceptance Agent or make an appointment at a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.
Once submitted, it will take the IRS approximately 7-11 weeks to issue your ITIN. You can check the status of your ITIN number application by calling the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040.
The takeaway
Getting a valid identification number, whether it's an SSN or ITIN, is crucial for navigating various aspects of life in the United States. While an SSN is generally available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible noncitizens, an ITIN serves as an alternative for individuals who don't meet the SSN eligibility criteria but still need to fulfill tax obligations.
Applying for either is relatively straightforward if you follow the resources in this article, but make sure to plan ahead after you have a visa secured and a move date in mind. Once you move and receive your SSN or ITIN, you will then be able to apply for your first credit card in the U.S.
Good news: using Nova Credit, newcomers can use their foreign credit history from certain countries to apply for premium credit cards—rather than needing to start from scratch as they build a U.S. credit history. If approved, you can begin to build your U.S. credit history by responsibly managing this first U.S. credit card.
Currently, Nova Credit serves individuals coming from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, and the U.K.
Use your foreign credit history to start your U.S credit history
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