Do I need to be physically present in the U.S. to apply for an ITIN?

Question

ITINApr 28, 2026

Do I need to be physically present in the U.S. to apply for an ITIN?

I'm a non-resident currently living in Canada. I read on the IRS site that filing in person can be difficult to travel to the United States. Can I apply for my ITIN remotely, or do I need to visit a U.S. office in person?

— Maria R.

1 Answer

Gokce Tandogdu ITIN Specialist, itin.net Apr 28, 2026 · Accepted Answer · 2026-04-28

No, you do not need to be physically present in the United States to apply for an ITIN. Our IRS Certified Acceptance Agents (CAAs) can verify your application entirely remotely. Here's how the process works for non-residents:

Document Verification — As CAAs, we are authorized by the IRS to verify your original identification documents (passport, national ID) and you do not need to mail them. We do this through a secure video verification process.
Form W-7 Preparation — We prepare and complete Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) on your behalf, ensuring all information is correct.
Submission — We submit your completed application directly to the IRS along with our certification, which speeds up processing.

The typical processing time is 5–10 business days with our service. You'll need to submit a valid passport (or, depending on your situation, additional documentation such as a U.S. visa or foreign tax return).