Chapter 08 · Banking & cards
ITIN and Form W-7: U.S. tax ID for Canadians
Request 9-digit ITIN without SSN via Form W-7, free, 6-8 weeks, required for U.S. cards/credit.
Direct answer · 60-second summary
The 60-second version
ITIN (Form W-7) — 9-digit U.S. tax ID for non-residents without SSN. Required for taxes, credit/loan applications, advanced banking. Processing 6-8 weeks, $0 IRS fee.
Acronyms used in this guide
- ITIN — Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- W-7 — Form W-7 (ITIN application)
- IRS — Internal Revenue Service
- SSN — Social Security Number
- FATCA — Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act
- FBAR — Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts
What is an ITIN?
The ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a 9-digit tax ID number issued by the IRS to non-U.S. citizens who have U.S. federal tax obligations.
- Format — 9XX-XX-XXXX (begins with 9).
- Free — No cost from IRS.
- Valid — Perpetual, but must be used on at least one federal return every 3 years.
Form W-7: ITIN application
Form W-7 ("Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number") is the official application.
- Proof of identity — Passport accepted and preferred (proves ID + foreign residence).
- Proof of foreign residency — Passport alone sufficient.
- ITIN reason — Check box (U.S. taxes, credit/card/mortgage, etc.).
- Processing time — 6-8 weeks from IRS after receipt.
Who can apply?
- Canadians without SSN — You have U.S. tax nexus.
- Temporary residents — Vacation visa, temporary work.
- Permanent residents — With or without green card (Florida permanent residents).
- Not eligible — If you can obtain SSN (imminent employment, status change).
After getting ITIN
- U.S. credit cards — Capital One, Chase, Amex accept ITIN.
- U.S. mortgages — RBC Bank accepts ITIN for Florida property financing.
- Annual taxes — File tax returns (Form 1040-NR) by April 15, even if zero income.
- FATCA/FBAR — If U.S. accounts exceed thresholds, IRS filings required.
Every figure, rate, threshold, and deadline in this guide is drawn from a verifiable primary source listed at the bottom of the page. The article is updated whenever the underlying rules change, with a fresh review date stamped at the top.
Sources and references
Public sources verified as of the last review date (IRS, FinCEN, Federal Reserve, FDIC, OCC, RBC/BMO/TD official, CFPB, CRA).
Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purpose only. Figures, rates, thresholds, timelines and rules are drawn from public sources at the date shown and may change.
For any concrete decision, consult a cross-border tax attorney, a cross-border certified accountant, or a credit counselor.