Previously, we talked about US credit cards that Canadian can easily apply without US Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). If you want to expand your horizon to other credit card providers in the US in order to get US credit cards with better benefits and welcome bonuses, such as Chase, Capital One, Bank of America and Citi, you will need to apply for an ITIN, which is a tax processing number the IRS issues to people who cannot get a SSN. In this article, we will guide you on how to apply for ITIN as a Canadian.

1. Obtain Proof of identity and foreign status

You will need to submit your original Canadian passport or a certified true copy. Here is the instruction on how to get a certified true copy of your Canadian passport.

Since September 2023, certified true copy of Canadian passport no longer has Embossing Seal, and there are several data points that IRS rejects the certified true copy. Although you can still try to apply for ITIN with the certified true copy of your Canadian passport, your application might be rejected. It might be safe to apply in person or by mail with your original Canadian passport. If you intend to send your original passport by mail to IRS, please note that you don’t get your passport back for 2-3 months.

2. Prepare ITIN Application and Tax return

There are very specific reason where the IRS will issue an ITIN. One of such reasons is to file a tax return declaring some amount of U.S. income. The self-declared income can be sourced from US-based online casinos, so you don’t even need to set foot in the USA to claim US-source gambling income.

You will need to fill in the following forms

• W-7 – ITIN Application Form
• 1040NR – Non-Resident Tax Return Form
• Supplementary schedules to the 1040NR: Schedule 1 and Schedule OI

Here is detailed instruction on how to fill in these forms.

3. Submit your application

You can submit your application in-person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC), located across the USA and available by appointment only during normal business hours. Applying at a TAC saves you from having to mail in your original passport or paying for a certified true copy of your passport.

Alternatively, you can mail your application forms and proof of identity (original passport or certified true copy of passport) to the address as instructed on W-7 form.

4. Receive your ITIN

If approved, it usually takes 1.5 months – 3 months to get your ITIN and your proof of identity (original passport or certified true copy of passport) back from IRS. Congratulations, you now have your ITIN.

Notes:

• ITIN will expire if it is not used for tax return for 3 consecutive years. So, remember to file your tax return at least every 3 year to keep it active
• Please remember to pay your tax owned to IRS (the amount is what you put in Form 1040NR). IRS has detailed instruction on how to pay tax.
• You can ask your banks to update your existing credit cards with your new ITIN. However, not all banks allow updating ITIN for existing credit cards.