Nonresident Alien - General
Question: My spouse is a nonresident alien. How can I get a social security number for her?
Answer:
If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and you are now married to a nonresident alien, you should contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to assist you in determining if your spouse is eligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).
Each foreign person who does not have and cannot obtain a SSN, must use an IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) on any U.S. tax return or refund claim filed. For additional information on ITINs, refer to FAQs on Individual Taxpayer Identification Number and the Instructions for Form W-7 (PDF), Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Additional Information:
- Form W-7 (PDF), Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Publication 1915 (PDF), Understanding Your IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
- Tax Topic 851, Resident and Nonresident Aliens
Category: U.S. Aliens and Citizens Living Abroad
Subcategory: Nonresident Alien General
