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ITIN applications
Current ITIN application processing time by the IRS is approximately 10 - 12 weeks. If you need to submit your ITIN application along with your tax return, please see an I-Center advisor.
Effective October 2, 2012, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has outlined a special process for Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) applications of students in F and J status and J2 dependents. This process was in response to an announcement the IRS made in June that required ITIN applicants to submit original documentation (e.g. passport) or “certified copies of these documents from the issuing agency [from their home country]” as part of the application.
Since it is not advisable for international students to be without their passport, and since many students are unable get a certified copy of the passport, the IRS offered an alternative option.
This option allows Designated School Officials to:
At Stanford, only international student/scholar advisors at the Bechtel International Center are eligible to provide such certification letters.
The instructions detailed below are specific to international students and scholars and their dependents sponsored by Stanford University.
Please note:
STEP 1: Prepare your ITIN application in an envelope.
Arrange your application in the following order. Put all of these documents in an envelope but do not seal the envelope since you will need the certification letter from the I-Center to complete your application.
*We have noticed that some ITIN requests have been rejected due to the language on their fellowship letter indicating possible employment *(e.g. “stipend” and/or “assistantship”). If your fellowship letter has any language that can be considered as employment, we strongly recommend that you obtain a new letter from your department that clearly states that no work is being done in exchange of the fellowship/scholarship.
Please note that unless you bring all the documents listed above (in an envelope with the required postage) to the I-Center, the advisor will not be able to issue the ITIN certification letter.
STEP 2: Add address and required postage (stamps) to the envelope.
Address the envelope containing your documents to the following:
Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operations
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342
Add the following return address:
Bechtel International Center
584 Capistrano Way
Stanford, CA 94305
Visit a post office and add the required amount of postage (stamps) to the envelope but do not send it.
STEP 3: Request an ITIN certification letter from an I-Center advisor
Bring your complete application in an addressed envelope with the required postage, along with your original passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94 (if you received a paper I-94) to the I-Center during drop-in advising hours to request an ITIN Certification letter.
An advisor will review the photocopies of your passport, visa stamp, I-94, and I-20 or DS-2019 to verify they are true to the original documents, and the originals will be returned to you in the same visit. The advisor will then issue the certification letter and mail your application.
References:
Publication 1915, Understanding Your IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number ITIN
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1915.pdf
IRS Forms & Publications to download the most recent W-7 form and instructions (Enter W-7 in the Find box.)
http://www.irs.gov/Forms-&-Pubs
June 22, 2012 Announcement by IRS: IRS Strengthens ITIN Application Requirements; Interim Changes Will Protect the Integrity of the ITIN Process
October 2, 2012 IRS Clarifies Temporary ITIN Application Requirements for Noncitizens with Tax Extensions and Many Foreign Students: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Clarifies-Temporary-ITIN-Application-Requirements-for-Noncitizens-with-Tax-Extensions-and-Many-Foreign-Students
The local Social Security Administration Office will consider your request for an SSN if you provide evidence of eligibility. The local SSA Office will process the SSN application even though your ITIN has not yet been rescinded, but according to IRS regulations an individual should not posses both an ITIN and an SSN. To request that your ITIN be rescinded, contact the IRS (ITIN unit) after your have received the SSN and inform them of your new SSN.
You may call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040 for information and help in completing your Form W-7 and your tax return. Please also review the information available on the IRS site.
For information on which countries have tax treaties with the U.S., see the Stanford Controller's website.
Yes, with difficulty and only at select U.S. embassies overseas. The process for obtaining an ITIN abroad can be found here.