These temporary procedures for ITIN applications only apply to Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved institutions for nonresident alien students and exchange visitors and their dependents classified under section 101(a)(15)(F), (M), or (J) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F), (M), or (J)]. Applicants must obtain a certification letter from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved institution as a substitute for submission of the original identification documents with the Form W-7 as required under the June 22, 2012, interim procedures. The supporting documentation for establishing identity and foreign status are provided in Publication 1915, Understanding Your IRS Individual IRS Identification Number. A certification letter is required for each Form W-7 application. This includes applications for the primary applicant, associated secondary (spouse) applicant, and dependent applicant(s). The Form W-7 application, with copies of all required supporting documents including the certification letter, must be sent to the IRS. The certification letter must (see sample letter): Be on original, official college, university, or institution letterhead with verifiable address; Provide applicant’s full name and SEVIS number; Certify the applicant’s registration in the Student Exchange Visitors Information System (SEVIS); Certify the authenticity of the passport, visa, or other identification documents reviewed; List the identification documents provided to verify identity and foreign status; Be signed and dated by a SEVIS official (PDSO, DSO, RO, or ARO[1]) of a SEVIS-approved institution or exchange program with a verifiable contact telephone number; Attach copies of the documents used to verify the identity and foreign status from the approved list of documents listed in the instructions for the Form W-7; and Attach a copy of DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, (J-1 Status) and/or copy of the I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status Applications must be assembled and submitted in the following order: Certification letter Form W-7 Application Copies of identity and foreign status documentation Copy of DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-1 Status) Copy of I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status Other supporting documents necessary to meet the Form W-7 application requirements ITIN applications should be mailed by a SEVIS official (PDSO, DSO, RO, or ARO) of a SEVP-approved institution or exchange program to the following address: Internal Revenue Service ITIN Operation P.O. Box 149342 Austin, TX 78714-9342 [1] Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), Designated School Official (DSO), Responsible Officer (RO), or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO)
