The ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is an individual tax identification number issued by the IRS. It is designed so that people who are not eligible to obtain a Social Security number can comply with their tax obligations in the country.

The ITIN is used specifically for tax filing purposes and does not grant employment rights or social security benefits. It also allows you to open individual bank accounts more quickly and access credit in the United States.

The ITIN takes between 4-6 months to be issued after it is requested and to keep it active each year you must file a tax return each year (even if you do not apply to pay taxes).