ITIN while waiting on visa?

[John & Rose 7,239]

Since I will be the sole support for Rose and the kids, is it advisable for me to get them ITIN's while they wait for their visas and eventually their SSNs?  I am just trying to get all the ducks in a row.  I fly to Manila next week to do the family seminar and apply for the marriage license.  Right now the wedding is planned for June 11.  I want to get them on my insurance from work and get them to be "official" dependents.  Any thoughts or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[apple21 953]

As far as I know, you can only add them once they’ve become LPRs. 

 

You can get them insurance in the Philippines though. 

[geowrian 22,337]

The insurance from work would be something to discuss with your employer and/or insurance company. Most plans won't cover living abroad.

If this is for evidence of commingling of finances, I wouldn't worry about it. COs know the difficulties or impossibilities of that type of evidence when living abroad, so it's not an issue. If it's so she has medical insurance, she will likely get a better /cheaper plan domestically.

 

ITINs can be issued for a foreign spouse via a W-7. The exact details on the "how" are beyond what I can provide, though.

Edited May 15, 2018 by geowrian

[John & Rose 7,239]

Just now, apple21 said:

As far as I know, you can only add them once they’ve become LPRs. 

 

You can get them insurance in the Philippines though. 

The insurance is one issue but I was also wondering if the NRA can use an ITIN for joint bank accounts and taxes.  My banks will not add her to the account without an SSN or ITIN.  I was wondering what people here have seen and done.

[Hank_ 9,174]

29 minutes ago, John & Rose said:

Since I will be the sole support for Rose and the kids, is it advisable for me to get them ITIN's while they wait for their visas and eventually their SSNs?  I am just trying to get all the ducks in a row.  I fly to Manila next week to do the family seminar and apply for the marriage license.  Right now the wedding is planned for June 11.  I want to get them on my insurance from work and get them to be "official" dependents.  Any thoughts or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

You may want to ask an accountant about some of this.

[John & Rose 7,239]

1 minute ago, geowrian said:

The insurance from work would be something to discuss with your employer and/or insurance company. Most plans won't cover living abroad.

If this is for evidence of commingling of finances, I wouldn't worry about it. COs know the difficulties or impossibilities of that type of evidence when living abroad, so it's not an issue. If it's so she has medical insurance, she will likely get a better /cheaper plan domestically.

 

ITINs can be issued for a foreign spouse via a W-7. The exact details on the "how" are beyond what I can provide, though.

Thank you.  Is that the general route used here?  With the CR-1s taking as long as they do, can I use the ITIN to claim them as dependents?  I am still on the fact finding tour after the switch from K-1.

[apple21 953]

Just now, John & Rose said:

The insurance is one issue but I was also wondering if the NRA can use an ITIN for joint bank accounts and taxes.  My banks will not add her to the account without an SSN or ITIN.  I was wondering what people here have seen and done.

I’ve read some who applied for ITIN but one of the requirements is the mailing of the actual Philippine passport.

[Hank_ 9,174]

32 minutes ago, John & Rose said:

Since I will be the sole support for Rose and the kids, is it advisable for me to get them ITIN's while they wait for their visas and eventually their SSNs?  I am just trying to get all the ducks in a row.  I fly to Manila next week to do the family seminar and apply for the marriage license.  Right now the wedding is planned for June 11.  I want to get them on my insurance from work and get them to be "official" dependents.  Any thoughts or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I would do the TIN to get your wife added to your bank account, that sounds smart.

[John & Rose 7,239]

Just now, apple21 said:

I’ve read some who applied for ITIN but one of the requirements is the mailing of the actual Philippine passport.

I've seen that too.  I believe I've read something about a certified copy but this is all so new to me.

[apple21 953]

Just now, John & Rose said:

I've seen that too.  I believe I've read something about a certified copy but this is all so new to me.

Actually you don’t really need to do this stuff. I went thru spousal visa too and none of this was needed, atleast for the visa process. No need to stress about it. But it’s your call. 

[geowrian 22,337]

Just now, John & Rose said:

Thank you.  Is that the general route used here?  With the CR-1s taking as long as they do, can I use the ITIN to claim them as dependents?  I am still on the fact finding tour after the switch from K-1.

No problem sir.

It's pretty typical, yes. You can use an ITIN on your 2018 taxes. Whether or not you can actually claim them as a dependent depends on the circumstances, but it is possible if you meet the requirements.

[John & Rose 7,239]

Just now, apple21 said:

Actually you don’t really need to do this stuff. I went thru spousal visa too and none of this was needed, atleast for the visa process. No need to stress about it. But it’s your call. 

I guess if I don't want to claim them on taxes for 2018 (getting married in June) I can just wait for POE and SSN.  I was hoping for a deduction to help a little.

[John & Rose 7,239]

1 minute ago, geowrian said:

No problem sir.

It's pretty typical, yes. You can use an ITIN on your 2018 taxes. Whether or not you can actually claim them as a dependent depends on the circumstances, but it is possible if you meet the requirements.

Thank you.  I will keep doing my homework and will most likely get them a TIN whether I have them as dependents or not.  I don't think a TIN will hurt in the long run.

[Hank_ 9,174]

4 minutes ago, John & Rose said:

I've seen that too.  I believe I've read something about a certified copy but this is all so new to me.

I change my mind ...      Patience may be the better idea.

 

 

Social security numbers.

 

Don’t complete Form W-7 if you have an SSN or if you’re eligible to get an SSN. You’re eligible for an SSN if you’re a U.S. citizen or if you have been admitted by the United States for permanent residence or U.S. employment.

https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7

 

 

[EandH0904 1,184]

Although my spouse is not from Philippines, we have experience with ITIN. When I got married, I had him fill out the W7 application. Once I got back to the states I went to the IRS to submit it, and I was told that I could ONLY submit it with my taxes - as it was for tax purposes, not for business related purposes (he wasn't here on to work). I found an accountant who was able to certify it at tax time and sent it off and it was approved within about 4 weeks without a problem. 

There is a list of documents that you have to submit as well. We filled out the W7 a couple of different ways and my accountant told me which one was correct. 

If you would like me to send you images of our W7, certification of acceptance and proof we submitted, send me a private message and I would be glad to do just that. 

When I added my husband to my health insurance, they just used his birth date until I got the ITIN and it was a non-issue. Will they be able to use your health insurance in the Philippines or are you just adding them so you don't have to go through the process once they get here? 

 

We have not been able to find a bank in the United States, ITIN or not, who will open an account without my spouse physically present. Your best bet to having a joint account, if that is something you are hoping for, is to find a US based bank in the Philippines and open an account while you are there. 

Edited May 15, 2018 by EandH0904