Social Security Numbers (SSN)

A Social Security Number (SSN) is needed to facilitate payment for scholarships and/or employment, and to file U.S. income taxes.  Please refer to the following handout to determine your SSN eligibility and for instructions on how to obtain one:

Social Security Information for F1, J1 & H1B visa holders (PDF)

Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN)

If you do not currently have a Social Security Number (SSN) and are not currently eligible for an SSN (i.e. you do not have employment), you will need to apply for an ITIN in order to facilitate payment for scholarships and/or to file your U.S. Income Taxes. If you are from a country that allows you to claim a dependent(s) and your dependent does not currently have an SSN or is not eligible for an SSN, your dependent will also need to apply for an ITIN in order to be included in your U.S. Income Tax filing.

The IRS has recently changed their acceptance procedure regarding ITINs. Students may either submit their ITIN application via ISSS with a certified copy of their passport that has been certified by the issuing agency (home-country passport office or embassy) or have their original documents verified in-person at a Certified Acceptance Agency.

To Submit an ITIN Application In-person at an IRS Certified Acceptance Agency:

1. Visit the Certified Acceptance Agency IRS Austin Office on a walk-in basis from 8:30 -4:30 Monday through Friday located at 825 E. Rundberg Ln. Austin, TX 78753.
2. Bring the following documents to your appointment:
   • Completed W7 (PDF)
   • Completed W8Ben (PDF) if you are from a tax treaty country
   • Award Letter — must be on letterhead, signed by the award provider and indicate the type/name of the award, amount, semester(s) awarded, and verify that employment was not a factor for receiving the award (if applicable)
   • Your passport
   • Your most recent U.S. entry Visa
   • Your I-20 (F-1 students)/DS-2019 (J-1 Students)

Please be prepared to wait in line as applicants are seen on a walk-in basis. If you have questions before your walk-in appointment, you may schedule an appointment with the tax advisor.

To Apply for an ITIN via ISSS with a Certified Copy of Your Passport:

1. Obtain a certified copy of your passport from your embassy or passport-issuing office.
2. Schedule an appointment to meet with the tax advisor.
3. Bring the following documents to your appointment:
   • Completed W7 (PDF)
   • Award Letter — must be on letterhead, signed by the award provider and indicate the type/name of the award, amount, semester(s) awarded, and verify that employment was not a factor for receiving the award (if applicable)
   • Certified copy of your passport (expiration date & biographical page only)
   • Your most recent U.S. entry Visa
   • Your I-20 (F-1 students)/DS-2019 (J-1 Students)

Note: An Award Letter is only required if the ITIN application is based on receipt of a financial award. If the ITIN application is to claim a dependent, your dependent(s) must be present during the appointment.