Used CAA and ITIN application was rejected
u/hockeyfun1r/taxAug 14, 2026
We actually did one a month ago for FIRPTA withholding and was accepted and received ITIN in 3 weeks.
You can apply for your first ITIN as a TD holder if you need one for federal tax purposes and cannot get an SSN: file Form W-7 with the required return or exception documents at an IRS-authorized location, or mail the package.
“How do I apply for an ITIN for the first time as a TD visa holder, and where can I find an authorized place to process it?”
Summary
You do not need to send away your passport if an eligible in-person site can authenticate the documents it accepts. The key first step is identifying the tax reason for your application; an IRS office can then review the package, but the IRS—not the office or agent—processes it.
Your reason for needing a tax number determines the application package; once it is ready, you can choose an authorized in-person location or mail it.
You file your own tax returnown return
If you have a reason to file your own federal return and cannot get an SSN, complete Form W-7 and attach it to the front of that return. Form W-7 distinguishes a nonresident filing a return (reason **b**) from someone who is a U.S. tax resident based on days present and files a return (reason **c**); TD status alone does not pick the box. [IRS Form W-7 instructions](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7)
You qualify on a spouse's or parent's returnfamily return
If you are a spouse filing a joint return with a U.S. citizen or tax-resident spouse, or a dependent claimed for an , attach your W-7 to that return. A TD spouse is **not** automatically eligible just because the TN spouse files; the relevant benefit and relationship must be shown on the return. [IRS Form W-7 instructions](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7)
You meet a documented no-return exceptiontax exception
If you personally need an ITIN for an IRS-listed exception—for example, qualifying passive income subject to withholding or treaty provisions—you may submit W-7 with that exception's required documents **instead of** a return. Having TD status or wanting a bank account alone is not that exception. [IRS Form W-7 instructions](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7)
You have no federal tax purpose yetnot yet
Do not submit W-7 solely because you hold a TD visa: the IRS issues an to someone who needs a federal tax identification number and cannot obtain an SSN. [IRS ITIN guidance](https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/individual-taxpayer-identification-number-itin)
TD status does not itself establish your federal tax residency or a right to a particular tax benefit. [IRS Form W-7 instructions](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7)
Read the full explanationHide the full explanation
Watch out for
A TD visa is not enough by itselfYou need a federal tax purpose and must be ineligible for a Social Security number. Being a TD spouse or child alone does not qualify you for an ITIN; for tax years after 2017, a spouse or dependent generally needs their own return or a qualifying tax benefit on an attached return. [IRS Form W-7 instructions](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7)
An ITIN does not permit workThe State Department says TD dependents cannot accept U.S. employment unless separately authorized by DHS. An ITIN is a tax number, not work authorization. [9 FAM 402.17-10](https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040217.html); [IRS ITIN guidance](https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/individual-taxpayer-identification-number-itin)
The spouse box has an old-year limitDo not select Form W-7 reason **g** merely because you are the spouse of a TN worker: its nonresident-visa-holder *spouse* description refers to a tax return for a year **before 2018**. A current joint return with a U.S. tax-resident spouse is a different case. [IRS Form W-7 instructions](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7)
A child's passport may not be enoughA dependent claimed on a return may need additional proof of U.S. residence if their passport lacks a U.S. entry date. The instructions provide a Canada/Mexico exception for some tax benefits, **but not** the credit for other dependents; a cannot authenticate dependent documents other than passports and birth certificates. [IRS Form W-7 instructions](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7)
Use the return's deadlineFor a new ITIN submitted with a return, attach Form W-7 to that return and submit the package by the return's due date; request a filing extension by that due date if needed. The IRS separately allows an application at any time with a prior-year return or a documented exception to the return-attachment rule. [IRS Form W-7 instructions](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7); [IRS ITIN guidance](https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/individual-taxpayer-identification-number-itin)
A pending SSN application changes the sequenceMost people without work authorization cannot get an SSN, but SSA recognizes narrow, documented nonwork reasons. If you have applied for an SSN, do not file W-7 while that application is pending; if SSA finds you ineligible, attach its denial letter to W-7. [SSA guidance](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10096.pdf); [IRS Form W-7 instructions](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7)
Next steps
These steps take you from establishing a tax need to submitting a complete first-time ITIN package.
Before completing W-7
Identify your tax reason and SSN eligibility
Use the case descriptions above to identify the federal tax purpose. Do not submit Form W-7 if you already have, or are eligible for, an SSN; if an SSN application is pending, wait for SSA's decision. Being in TD status alone does not create a tax purpose. [IRS W-7 instructions](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7)
Requirements
Your reason for needing an ITIN on your own return, a family return, or under an IRS exception
An SSA denial letter if SSA has determined you are ineligible for an SSN
Use the current W-7
Complete Form W-7 and the tax paperwork
Get [Form W-7](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf) and its [instructions](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7). If a return is required, complete the applicable federal return and attach each applicant's W-7 to its front; do not send the return separately. For a documented return-attachment exception, include the documents the W-7 instructions require instead. Submit a new-ITIN package with its return by that return's due date, or request a filing extension by that date; a prior-year return or qualifying exception can be submitted later. [IRS W-7 instructions](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7); [IRS ITIN guidance](https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/individual-taxpayer-identification-number-itin)
Requirements
Form W-7 for each person applying
Your own Form 1040 or 1040-NR, or the relevant family return, unless you document an IRS exception
Before the appointment or mailing
Gather acceptable identity documents
A valid passport generally establishes identity and foreign status on its own, but some claimed dependents need additional U.S.-residence evidence if their passport has no entry date. The W-7 instructions specify age-dependent alternatives, including qualifying school, medical, state-ID, visa, or—in some adult cases—address records. An ordinary photocopy is not an issuing-agency . [IRS W-7 instructions](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7)
Requirements
Valid original passport or an issuing-agency , or other acceptable original/certified documents
Additional U.S.-residence proof if required for a dependent
Visa copy and U.S. entry date if applying under W-7 reason g
Choose one submission route
Submit through an authorized place or by mail
For a **free IRS appointment**, use the [ITIN-service Taxpayer Assistance Center list](https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/irs-taxpayer-assistance-centers-with-itin-services) to find a listed office and call **844-545-5640**. Or use the IRS [state-by-state and international acceptance-agent directory](https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/itin-acceptance-agents) to find a ; agent fees vary. [Listed VITA sites with ITIN services](https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/volunteer-income-tax-assistance-vita-sites-with-itin-services) are another free option. If mailing by U.S. Postal Service instead, send the package to **Internal Revenue Service, Austin Service Center, ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342**; the [IRS application page](https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/how-to-apply-for-an-itin) gives a separate street address for private delivery. The IRS says to allow **7 weeks** for a status notice, or **9–11 weeks** during January 15–April 30 or for an overseas application. [IRS application guidance](https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/how-to-apply-for-an-itin)
Requirements
Completed W-7 package and required supporting documents
In-person attendance of each spouse or dependent who is applying at an IRS center
Others who faced this
You are not the first to go through this. Here is how it went for others who asked the same thing.
Legal sources
This answer uses IRS Form W-7 and its instructions, IRS ITIN location guidance, Social Security Administration guidance, and the State Department's TD-visa guidance.
9 FAM 402.17-10
TD status alone does not allow employment.
9 FAM 402.17-10
9 FAM 402.17-10
Dependents are not permitted to accept employment in the United States while in TD status unless they are otherwise authorized to do so by DHS.
SSA, Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens
Work authorization is the usual route to an SSN; SSA also recognizes limited nonwork reasons.
SSA, Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens
page 1
Generally, only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get an SSN.
IRS ITIN guidance
A tax need plus SSN ineligibility—not the visa label—is the starting test.
IRS ITIN guidance
Who needs an ITIN
You need an ITIN if you have a federal tax purpose and you’re not eligible for an SSN.
Instructions for Form W-7
A spouse or dependent does not qualify merely by being related to a taxpayer.
Instructions for Form W-7
Allowable tax benefit
For tax years after December 31, 2017, spouses and dependents are NOT eligible for an ITIN or to renew an ITIN unless they are claimed for an allowable tax benefit or they file their own tax return.
Instructions for Form W-7
The apparent spouse-of-a-visa-holder box is not a general route for a current-year spouse application.
Instructions for Form W-7
Reason g
This is an individual who can be claimed as a dependent for any tax year, or is a spouse on a U.S. federal tax return for a tax year before 2018, who is unable, or not eligible, to get an SSN, and who has entered the United States with a nonresident alien who holds a U.S. visa.
Form W-7
The W-7 reason for your own return depends on your tax-residency situation.
Form W-7
Reasons b and c
Nonresident alien filing a U.S. federal tax return
Instructions for Form W-7
A first application normally travels with the return; an exception requires its own documentation.
Instructions for Form W-7
Purpose of Form
Individuals applying for an ITIN must include a U.S. federal tax return unless they meet an exception, and the required documentation.
Instructions for Form W-7
An ordinary photocopy is not the required identity evidence.
Instructions for Form W-7
Supporting Documentation Requirements
You must submit original documents, or certified copies of these documents from the issuing agency, that support the information provided on Form W-7.
Instructions for Form W-7
A valid passport usually covers identity and foreign-status documentation, subject to dependent-residency rules.
Instructions for Form W-7
Supporting Documentation Requirements
If you submit an original valid passport or a certified copy from the issuing agency, you don’t need to submit any other documents from the table.
Instructions for Form W-7
Some dependent applicants must provide additional U.S.-residence proof even with a passport.
Instructions for Form W-7
Proof of U.S. residency for dependents
All other applicants claimed as dependents, including applicants from Canada or Mexico claimed for the ODC, are required to submit at least one of the following original documents as proof of U.S. residency unless a passport is submitted with a date of entry into the United States.
Instructions for Form W-7
The W-7-and-return package follows the tax return's filing deadline.
Instructions for Form W-7
When To Apply
If you’re applying for a new ITIN, complete and attach Form W-7 to the front of your tax return and file your application package with your tax return for which the ITIN is needed on or before the due date for the return.
Instructions for Form W-7
An SSA denial letter matters if SSA has actually determined you cannot receive an SSN.
Instructions for Form W-7
Social security numbers
If the SSA determines that you’re not eligible for an SSN, you must get a letter of denial and attach it to your Form W-7.
Instructions for Form W-7
Some specific income-reporting situations can qualify for a documented application without an attached return.
Instructions for Form W-7
Exception 1
Exception 1. Passive income—third-party withholding or tax treaty benefits.
IRS How to apply for an ITIN
A designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center is a free in-person choice.
IRS How to apply for an ITIN
Apply in person
Apply for free at a Taxpayer Assistance Center in the U.S.
IRS TACs with ITIN services
Use the IRS's ITIN-service center list and call this number to book.
IRS TACs with ITIN services
Make an appointment
Call 844-545-5640 for an appointment. It may take several weeks to get one.
IRS ITIN acceptance-agent directory
The IRS publishes a U.S. and international authorized-agent directory; agents may charge.
IRS ITIN acceptance-agent directory
ITIN acceptance agents
You can get help applying for an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) with an IRS-approved acceptance agent in the U.S. and abroad. Fees for service may vary.
IRS VITA ITIN-service locations
Some volunteer sites are an additional free in-person option.
IRS VITA ITIN-service locations
VITA sites with ITIN services
You can apply for an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) for free at some VITA sites.
IRS How to apply for an ITIN
The IRS gives this address for an application sent through the U.S. Postal Service.
IRS How to apply for an ITIN
Apply by mail
Internal Revenue Service Austin Service Center ITIN Operation P.O. Box 149342 Austin, TX 78714-9342
IRS How to apply for an ITIN
These are the IRS's normal and tax-season/overseas status-notification estimates.
IRS How to apply for an ITIN
After you apply
Allow 7 weeks for us to notify you about your ITIN application status. It can take 9-11 weeks if it’s tax season (January 15 to April 30) or if you applied from overseas.
These are the official rules on the cited publication and update dates; rules and available locations can change.
This is general information about official processes, not legal advice, and SettleKit is not a law firm.
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