ITIN for non-U.S. residents
Get your ITIN from anywhere in the world
If you live outside the U.S. and have to file a U.S. tax return or claim a treaty benefit, you need an ITIN. We prepare your Form W-7 and our Certifying Acceptance Agent verifies your passport on a video call, so you don’t mail the original to the IRS. Check our CAA status.
- No U.S. visit and no U.S. address required
- Remote video verification of your passport
- W-7 reason (a) or (b) chosen correctly
- Honest IRS timing: 9–11 weeks from abroad
- Reply within one business day
- Private service, not the IRS — read our disclaimer
- Passport scan uploadedVerified
- Reason for applying (W-7 box)Verified
- Foreign address verifiedVerified
- Tax return or exception documentsNeeds review
- CAA video verificationPending
Can a non-U.S. resident get an ITIN? Yes — here’s how
An ITIN is for individuals who have a U.S. federal tax filing or reporting requirement and are not eligible for a Social Security number.
- Complete Form W-7 and tick the reason that applies — (a) for a treaty benefit or (b) to file a U.S. tax return as a nonresident.
- Form W-7 must be attached to a valid federal income tax return unless you qualify for one of the exceptions listed in the W-7 instructions. Exceptions 1–5 cover third-party withholding on passive income (including partnership income and bank interest), tax treaty benefits, mortgage interest reporting, dispositions of U.S. real property (FIRPTA), and TD 9363 reporting obligations.
- Prove your identity and foreign status. The IRS accepts 13 documents. A valid passport is the only one that proves both identity and foreign status on its own; otherwise you need at least two, one with a photo. Copies must be certified by the agency that issued the document. Notarized copies are not accepted.
- Send everything through a Certifying Acceptance Agent, or by mail to the IRS ITIN Operation in Austin, Texas.
Sources: Instructions for Form W-7 (Rev. December 2024) and IRS — How to apply for an ITIN, checked November 6, 2026. The IRS charges nothing for an ITIN.
This service is built for these situations
An ITIN is for people with a U.S. federal tax reason who can’t get a Social Security number.
You have to file a U.S. tax return
W-7 reason (b): a nonresident filing Form 1040-NR, for example for U.S. rental or business income.
You want a tax treaty benefit
W-7 reason (a): a nonresident claiming a reduced rate or exemption under a U.S. tax treaty.
Tax was withheld and you want it back
A refund of over-withheld U.S. tax is claimed on a return, and that return needs an ITIN.
You’re a partner in a U.S. LLC
A K-1 from a partnership usually means a 1040-NR, and the IRS needs your ITIN.
You’re selling U.S. property
FIRPTA withholding on the sale of U.S. real property is one of the exceptions to the return rule.
Your bank or payer asked for a U.S. tax number
Sometimes a W-8BEN without one is enough. We check before you apply.
Getting an ITIN from outside the U.S. is full of small traps
The IRS rejects a large share of ITIN applications, and most rejections and long delays come from a handful of avoidable mistakes: the wrong documents, a missing tax return or exception proof, or originals lost in the mail.
Common pitfalls
What usually goes wrong when filing alone
- Mailing your passport across borders and waiting weeks to get it back.
- Choosing reason (a) for a treaty claim but sending no treaty or exception documents.
- Filing a W-7 without the 1040-NR it must be attached to.
- Sending notarized copies — the IRS rejects them.
- Expecting the 7-week timeline when applications from abroad take 9–11 weeks.
Our approach
How we prevent each of those problems
- Our CAA examines your original passport on a recorded video call and certifies a copy.
- The right W-7 reason, with the treaty country and article where reason (a) applies.
- Your return or exception documents checked and filed with the W-7.
- A foreign address formatted the way the IRS expects, so notices reach you.
- Status updates through the IRS wait, and follow-up once it has passed.
What we actually do for you
Eligibility & reason check
We confirm you need an ITIN, which W-7 reason applies, and whether you file with a return or under an exception — before you pay for more than you need.
Remote CAA verification
Our Certifying Acceptance Agent examines your original passport live on a video call and certifies a copy. You don’t need to visit the U.S. or an IRS office.
Filing & tracking
We file the W-7 with your return or exception documents by tracked courier and keep you updated until your CP565 assignment notice arrives.
Compare what each package includes on our ITIN service pricing page.
ITIN for Non-U.S. Residents
Prepared and certified by our CAA team
Three ways a Form W-7 reaches the IRS
Every ITIN application needs the W-7, proof of identity and foreign status, and usually a tax return. These are the routes the IRS lists for getting your documents to it. You can use any of them yourself — the ITIN is free.
| Route | How it works | Who can use it | Your original documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) | An IRS-authorized agent reviews your original passport (in person or on a video interview) and certifies a copy | Anywhere in the world | Original passport is not mailed to the IRS |
| Mail to the IRS | Internal Revenue Service, ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342 | Anywhere in the world | You mail originals or copies certified by the issuing agency; originals are returned by mail |
| IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center | In-person appointment at a designated IRS office (844-545-5640) | Inside the U.S. only | Documents reviewed and returned at the appointment |
- Processing time. The IRS says to allow 7 weeks for an ITIN decision, or 9–11 weeks if you apply during peak season (January 15 – April 30) or from overseas. Nobody — no agent and no paid service — can make the IRS process an ITIN faster.
- Certified copies only. Copies must be certified by the agency that issued the document. Notarized copies are not accepted.
- A return, or an exception. Form W-7 must be attached to a valid federal income tax return unless you qualify for one of the exceptions listed in the W-7 instructions.
Why the route matters: Applications filed through a Certifying Acceptance Agent were rejected 12.3% of the time, against 27.3% when originals were mailed to the IRS and 18.4% through IRS offices (National Taxpayer Advocate, CY2023 to September 2024).
What to expect, week by week
Two clocks apply to every ITIN. Ours: we prepare and certify your application within 1–3 business days of receiving your documents and completing the video verification. The IRS’s: it says to allow 7 weeks, or 9–11 weeks from January 15 to April 30 or when you apply from abroad — and nobody can speed that up. We track your application through the IRS wait, follow up once the IRS window has passed, and tell you as soon as your ITIN is assigned.
Day 1 · Intake
You tell us why you need an ITIN and upload your passport. We confirm the reason and package.
Your chosen time · Video verification
A short recorded call where our CAA examines your original passport.
1–3 business days · W-7 prepared
We prepare the W-7 and certified copy for you to sign. This is our clock, not the IRS’s.
On your approval · Filing
Sent to the IRS ITIN Operation in Austin, Texas, by tracked courier.
IRS processing · 9–11 weeks from abroad
The IRS says to allow 7 weeks for an ITIN decision, or 9–11 weeks if you apply during peak season (January 15 – April 30) or from overseas. Nobody — no agent and no paid service — can make the IRS process an ITIN faster.
Get a clear next step for your case
Share your situation and a specialist will reply within one business day. The assessment is free.
- Free to askThe assessment costs nothing. Our packages have fixed prices, fully refundable until we file your W-7.
- Honest directionIf we're not the right fit, we'll say so and point you elsewhere.
- Private by defaultYour details stay with us. We don't sell or share data.
Common questions from non-U.S. applicants
If your question isn't here, contact us — we'll answer honestly, even if the answer is 'this isn't a fit for our service.'
Can I get an ITIN without living in the U.S.?
Yes. Most ITIN applicants are nonresidents. You need a U.S. federal tax reason — usually a return to file or a treaty benefit to claim — and you must not be eligible for a Social Security number.
How long does it take from abroad?
Two clocks. Ours: 1–3 business days to prepare and certify your application after the video verification. The IRS’s: The IRS says to allow 7 weeks for an ITIN decision, or 9–11 weeks if you apply during peak season (January 15 – April 30) or from overseas. Nobody — no agent and no paid service — can make the IRS process an ITIN faster.
Do I need a U.S. address?
No. Nonresidents enter their foreign address on the W-7, and the IRS mails the CP565 notice there. Make sure it’s an address where you reliably receive post.
What’s the difference between reason (a) and reason (b)?
Reason (a) is for a nonresident who needs an ITIN to claim a tax treaty benefit; you name the treaty country and article. Reason (b) is for a nonresident filing a U.S. federal tax return. Choosing the wrong one is a common cause of delays.
Does an ITIN let me work or live in the U.S.?
An ITIN does not authorize work in the U.S., does not change immigration status and does not by itself make you eligible for Social Security benefits.
My LLC needs an EIN. Do I need an ITIN first?
An ITIN identifies a person for federal tax purposes; an EIN identifies a business. A foreign-owned LLC can get its EIN without the owner having an ITIN.
Related ITIN guides
Ready to get your ITIN without mailing your passport?
Tell us who needs an ITIN and why. A specialist will reply within one business day with the documents you need and a clear plan.
Or email support@itinnumber.io
- Reply within one business dayA specialist reviews your case and outlines a clear plan.
- Free resubmissionPriority and Complete include one free resubmission if the IRS rejects your application.
- Refund before filingChange your mind before we file your W-7? Full refund, no questions.