Mail the package to the IRS
Send Form W-7, the federal tax return or exception evidence, and the required original or issuing-agency certified supporting documents.
INTERNATIONAL ITIN APPLICATIONS
How to Apply for an ITIN from Abroad
Applicants outside the United States can submit Form W-7 by mail or work with an IRS-approved acceptance agent or Certifying Acceptance Agent in the U.S. or abroad.
Quick answer
Can you apply for an ITIN from outside the U.S.?
Yes. The IRS accepts ITIN applications from abroad. The application can be mailed with the required original or issuing-agency certified documents, or the applicant can use an IRS-approved Certifying Acceptance Agent or Acceptance Agent in the United States or abroad.
The IRS does not currently offer a fully online Form W-7 application route.
Three practical routes for overseas applicants
The best route usually depends on whether you can obtain issuing-agency certified copies, whether you are comfortable mailing originals, and whether a CAA appointment is available.
Use a CAA abroad
An IRS-authorized CAA can authenticate most eligible supporting documents and submit the ITIN application package, subject to IRS limits.
Apply while in the U.S.
If you will be in the United States, you may be able to use a participating IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center by appointment.
Documents
Passport and certified-copy options
A valid passport is generally the only stand-alone document that proves both identity and foreign status. If you do not want to mail the original, the IRS accepts an issuing-agency certified copy. U.S. embassies and consulates overseas may offer certification or authentication services, but availability varies.
If no passport is submitted, a combination of at least two other accepted supporting documents is normally required, with at least one showing a photograph unless an age-based exception applies.
Timing
Overseas applications may take longer
The IRS currently says to allow 9–11 weeks when an ITIN application is filed from overseas. This is an estimate, not a guaranteed completion date.
If original supporting documents are mailed, the IRS says they are normally returned within 60 days to the mailing address shown on Form W-7.
If you are outside the United States, include your country and whether you have an original passport or an issuing-agency certified copy available.
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