ITIN Application Checklist - Steps for Applying Through ISSS and Completing Form W-7

Sep 19, 2026

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ITIN Application Checklist for requesting an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number through ISSS includes compiling required immigration and tax documents, submitting an ITIN request in the ISSS portal, and attending an in-person appointment for document verification. It details what to bring, how ISSS forwards the application to the IRS, expected IRS processing timelines, and actions after approval or denial. Additional tips guide Form W-7 completion, including eligibility reason selection, scholarship statement requirements, and mailing address and signature handling.

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ITIN Application Checklist

Step 1: Submit Your ITIN Request in the ISSS Portal

Step 2: Meet with Your Assigned ISSS Advisor (In-Person)

Step 3: Inform ISSS After IRS Approval or Denial

Additional Tips for Completing the W-7 Form

Questions or Concerns

ITIN APPLICATION CHECKLIST To apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), first compile the documents listed below and then schedule an appointment with your assigned ISSS Advisor when instructed to do so. DO NOT send the ITIN application yourself, as ISSS will submit the application to the IRS if you are eligible. A full description of eligibility requirements and the application process can be found on the ISSS website. STEP 1: SUBMIT YOUR I TIN REQUEST IN THE ISSS PORTAL 􀂅 COMPLETE THE INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (ITIN) APPLICATION REQUEST IN THE ISSS PORTAL AND SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS: 􀂃 A completed FORM W-7 (see Additional Tips for completing the W-7, at the end of the checklist) . 􀂃 A signed and dated copy of your most recent FORM I-20 or FORM DS-2019 􀂃 A copy of your CURRENT PASSPORT IDENTITY AND VALIDITY PAGE(S) 􀂃 A copy of your F-1 VISA STAMP (or I-797 Approval Notice from USCIS, if applicable) 􀂃 Most recent FORM I-94 (one-page electronic record downloaded from [https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov](https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov), showing F-1 and D/S) 􀂃 A copy of your SCHOLARSHIP AWARD LETTER indicating the amount of the scholarship and details • Must include the full amount of the award, be issued on official letterhead, include an issuance date in which the letter was written, and a signature from the individual/organization that is issuing the letter STEP 2 : MEET WITH YOUR ASSIGNED ISSS ADVISOR, IN-PERSON After your ISSS Advisor reviews your submission and determines you may qualify to file for an ITIN, you will receive an email with instructions to: 􀂅 SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT with your International Student Advisor Please note: This appointment must be in-person, as ISSS is required to verify your original identification documents. You will be asked to reschedule this appointment if you do not have your documents with you. Items to bring along to your appointment: 􀂅 A signed and dated copy of your most recent FORM I-20 or FORM DS-2019 􀂅 Your ORIGINAL CURRENT PASSPORT 􀂅 Your F-1 VISA STAMP (or I-797 Approval Notice from USCIS, if applicable) 􀂅 A printed copy of your most recent FORM I-94 (one-page electronic record downloaded from [https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov](https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov), showing F-1 and D/S) 􀂅 A printed copy of your SCHOLARSHIP AWARD LETTER indicating the amount of the scholarship and details 􀂃 Must include the full amount of the award, be issued on official letterhead, include an issuance date in which the letter was written, and a signature from the individual/organization that is issuing the letter After meeting with ISSS to complete the preparation of your ITIN application, ISSS will mail your documents to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) . We will send you a confirmation email with a scanned copy of this mailing, for your records. | STEP 3 : INFORM ISSS ONCE YOUR ITIN APPLICATION HAS BEEN APPROVED OR DENIED | | --- | | You will receive a letter from the IRS assigning your tax identification number usually within seven (7) weeks if you qualify for an ITIN and your application is complete. Processing can take longer (9-11 weeks) if it's tax season (January 15 to April 30) .
􀂅 SEND AN EMAIL to your International Student Advisor to inform them
􀂃 If APPROVED, you do not need to submit any documentation to ISSS, but a courtesy email would be appreciated
􀂃 If DENIED, please attach a scanned copy of the denial notice for further review | |
ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR COMPLETING THE W-7 FORM | | TOP SECTION
􀂅 In the top right box, select the Application type that matches your application reason. In most cases, you will need to select the first option: Apply for a new ITIN.
􀂅 Under Reason you’re submitting Form W-7: Check both f (Nonresident Alien Student) and h (Other) .
􀂅 Write the following statement on Line h: “Exception 2c – Scholarships, fellowships and grants not claiming tax treaty benefits.”
􀂅 Directly below h, w

FAQs

Who submits the ITIN application to the IRS, and what must you do first?

ISSS submits the ITIN application to the IRS if you are eligible. First, compile the required documents, submit your ITIN request in the ISSS portal, and follow the appointment instructions given by your assigned ISSS Advisor.

What documents are required in Step 1 for the ISSS portal submission?

Step 1 requires a completed Form W-7 request in the portal plus documents such as a signed and dated copy of the most recent Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, copies of your current passport identity/validity page(s), your F-1 visa stamp (or I-797 approval notice if applicable), your most recent Form I-94, and a scholarship award letter with the specified requirements.

How long does the IRS usually take to assign an ITIN, and what happens after approval or denial?

The IRS typically assigns an ITIN within about seven weeks if your application is complete, and it can take longer (9–11 weeks) during tax season. Afterward, you must email your International Student Advisor: if approved, no further documentation is needed; if denied, attach a scanned copy of the denial notice for further review.

Sep 19, 2026

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