Here is a brief explanation of the questions:
- US tax ID number applications - Here, you will have to check if the names are correct as that is how your names would appear on your ITIN after that. If you need to edit anything, please go back to Step 2 - Getting to know you - About you;
- Mailing/Non US address - Please make sure that your address is correct once again;
- Foreign tax ID - Usually, you wouldn't need to enter anything there so please leave the box empty;
- Have you previously received an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) or an Internal Revenue Service Number (IRSN)? - In case you have never applied for an ITIN before, please select 'No'. In case you previously has an ITIN, please fill in the previous ITIN number you had as well as the name under which the ITIN was issued;
- Length of stay - The answer here is based on your visa's exemption period. If you are on a F-1 visa for example, you will have to put 5 years there.
Identification Section:
You'd have to choose which official document to certify and mail along with your ITIN application (W-7 Form). It is best recommended to certify a copy of your passport as it can both prove who you are and your nonresident status in the U.S.
You can certify your passport in one of the places below:
In the US with a booked appointment:
- In a local IRS office with a certified IRS agent;
- In your home country's embassy.
In the US without a booked appointment:
- In your university, if it is SEVIS approved.
Outside the US with a booked appointment:
- In the issuing agency;
- In the US embassy in your home country;
Any other places would NOT be approved by the IRS and your application will be rejected.