I applied for an h1b visa and got denied and now the appeal is still pending. my grace period is already over..so that makes me an overstayer.. i want to apply for a bank account here in the US. I only have my passport as my ID. Will they allow me to apply for one? thanks.
No In order to open a bank account in the US you need photo Id and a Tax Id number. The social security number is used as the Tax ID number and for those that are unable to get a SSN but need a Tax id for return purposes...then they were able to apply for a ITIN. They changed the rules last year so that in order to get an ITIN you need to attach your W7 which is the tax form you get when you work. Whats the point of trying to get a bank account when your application has been denied?
I have accounts and investments in the USA, (TDs I think you call them) I am Canadian, I don't have a SSN, or american ID! And all money is in my own name, and I am living in Canada, I did this at a credit union in washington, so maybe its different there
Yes, banks vary in their policies. Many will try to use the Patriot Act as an excuse to their policy about needing an SSN or ITIN. I've heard of several banks that issue accounts without SSNs.
If any of you have had any of the numerous credit card applications in the mail..take a look on the flip side. It states that all new applications now need to be compliant as relates to the patriot act. No bank will open an account for you without some form of tax id. Social Security numbers are used as tax ids for those that are unable to get a ssn# then the ITIN is what was used and is able to be used. You cant get an ITIN without attaching your w7..ie you need to be able to prove that you are working in order to get the ITIN. You can not walk into a US bank with your photo ID and open an account.
Yes you can open a bank account, there are MILLIONS of foreigners who don't live in the USA, and have a bank account there (I do for example). However it is MUCH harder to open one now, that it was before 9-11.
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