An ITIN is NOT a Valid Substitute for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to Work in the USA
Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) do not authorize you or anybody for that matter to work in the United States. Simply put they are not valid for employment purposes. However, if you are required to file a U. S. Federal income tax return and are ineligible to receive a Social Security Number, you must obtain an ITIN.
Certain aliens by virtue of their non-immigrant status are authorized to work in the United States. Some of the individuals must apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Special Note
Any nonresident alien holding an EAD, or who is already authorized to work in the United States, is eligible to receive a SSN.
Students who enter the United States under certain U.S. visas may be eligible to work in the United States.
Which foreign students qualify for ITINs?
The employment rules for foreign students in the United States are set forth in appropriate United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) laws and regulations. Generally, foreign students eligible to work in the United States, and who will be employed, should apply for a SSN. However, if they are denied a SSN, they may be eligible to apply for an ITIN by attaching the documentation from the SSA, substantiating the denial, to their Form W-7.
