If you're an international student studying in the United States, you've probably heard people mention a Social Security Number (SSN). But what if you don't have one?

Can you still file taxes?
Can you build credit?
Can you open a bank account?

The answer often starts with something called an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, better known as an ITIN.

Let's break down exactly what it is, who needs one, and how to get one.

What is an ITIN?

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit tax identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The IRS created the ITIN for people who have U.S. tax filing responsibilities but are not eligible for a Social Security Number.

An ITIN always begins with the number 9 and looks similar to a Social Security Number.

Example: 9XX-XX-XXXX

Why Does an ITIN Exist?

The U.S. government wants everyone who has a tax obligation to be able to file a tax return.

Not everyone qualifies for a Social Security Number, but many people still earn income, receive scholarships, claim tax treaty benefits, or have other tax reporting requirements.

The ITIN gives those individuals a way to comply with U.S. tax laws.

What an ITIN Can Do

An ITIN can help you:

File a U.S. federal tax return
Claim an eligible tax refund
Claim certain tax treaty benefits
Identify yourself for many tax-related purposes
Build a U.S. credit history if lenders report your accounts using your ITIN
Open certain bank accounts or apply for financial products with institutions that accept ITINs

What an ITIN Cannot Do

This is where many students get confused.

An ITIN does NOT:

Give you permission to work in the United States
Change your immigration status
Qualify you for Social Security benefits
Replace a Social Security Number
Serve as general identification outside the federal tax system

Think of it this way:

An SSN is much broader.

An ITIN is primarily a tax identification number.

Who Needs an ITIN?

You may need an ITIN if you:

Are an international student with U.S. tax filing requirements
Are a nonresident alien earning income in the U.S.
Are claiming benefits under a tax treaty
Need to file a federal tax return but cannot obtain an SSN
Are the spouse or dependent of someone with certain U.S. tax filing requirements

Who Does NOT Need an ITIN?

You generally do not need an ITIN if you qualify for a Social Security Number.

For example:

U.S. citizens
Permanent residents (green card holders)
Individuals authorized to work in the U.S. who qualify for an SSN

If you're eligible for an SSN, that's the identification number you should obtain instead.

Can International Student-Athletes Get an ITIN?

Absolutely.

Many international student-athletes receive NIL income, scholarship-related tax documents, investment income, or other forms of taxable income.

If they are not eligible for an SSN but have a federal tax filing obligation, an ITIN may be appropriate.

Can You Build Credit With an ITIN?

Yes.

One of the biggest myths among international students is:

"I don't have a Social Security Number, so I can't build credit."

That's not necessarily true.

Many banks and lenders allow qualified applicants to open credit accounts using an ITIN. If those accounts are reported to the credit bureaus, you can begin building a U.S. credit history. Not every lender accepts ITINs, so you'll need to ask before applying.

How to Apply for an ITIN

The IRS offers three primary ways to apply.

Option 1: Apply With Your Tax Return

Complete IRS Form W-7 and submit it along with your federal tax return and supporting documentation.

Option 2: Visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center

Many IRS offices can verify your original identification documents so you don't have to mail them.

Option 3: Use an IRS Certifying Acceptance Agent

These authorized professionals can help verify your identity and assist with the application process.

Documents You'll Need

The IRS generally requires documents proving both:

Identity
Foreign status

A valid passport by itself often satisfies both requirements.

If you don't have a passport, the IRS accepts certain combinations of other official documents.

How Long Does It Take?

Processing times vary throughout the year.

Applying outside the busy tax filing season often results in faster processing than applying during peak filing months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some ITINs expire if they aren't used on a federal tax return for several consecutive years or under other IRS renewal rules. Check the IRS website if you're unsure whether your ITIN remains active.
No.
An ITIN is not work authorization.
Only if you are not eligible for an SSN.
If you qualify for an SSN, the IRS expects you to use an SSN instead.

Final Thoughts

If you're an international student or student-athlete, understanding the ITIN can save you time, reduce stress, and help you stay compliant with U.S. tax laws.

More importantly, an ITIN can open the door to establishing your financial life in the United States, including building credit, opening financial accounts, and properly reporting income.

The sooner you understand how it works, the more confident you'll be managing your money while studying in the U.S.

Helpful Resources

IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN):
https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/individual-taxpayer-identification-number-itin

IRS Form W-7:
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-7

USA.gov ITIN Guide:
https://www.usa.gov/itin

ITINs Explained: A Complete Guide for International Students and Student-Athletes