Foreign national individuals, both resident aliens and nonresident aliens, may have either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

A Social Security Number (SSN) is:

A nine-digit number assigned by the Social Security Administration to an individual for tax and wage reporting purposes

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is:

A nine-digit number assigned to an individual who is required to have a tax identification number, but who cannot obtain a Social Security Number
The ITIN is for tax reporting purposes only

NOTE: A nonresident alien who wishes to claim exemption from tax withholding under a tax treaty MUST have a SSN or ITIN

Social Security Number (SSN)

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A SSN?

Complete Form SS-5 Application for a Social Security Card and go to your local Social Security Administration Office.

WHERE CAN I GET A SSN FORM?

Obtain Form SS-5 from the Social Security Administration

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN):

The ITIN does not:

entitle the recipient to social security benefits
indicate immigration status
give the right to work in the U.S.

The ITIN cannot be used in place of a SSN for tax and wage reporting.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR AN ITIN?

Submit a completed IRS Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number along with documentation to substantiate an individual's foreign status and true identity, to the IRS.

WHERE DO I OBTAIN FORM W-7, APPLICATION FOR IRS INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER?

Obtain IRS Form W-7 from the IRS web site.