An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a number assigned by the Internal
Revenue Service, not the Social Security Administration. It is not the same as
a social security number, as an ITIN is not to be used for employment purposes.
An ITIN number is only used for tax purposes. That is, in order to be employed
you need an SSN. If you are just receiving a scholarship or fellowship and are
not employed otherwise, then you need an ITIN.
You must apply for an ITIN using a Form W-7. The Form W-7 and instructions are available on the IRS website
at
www.irs.gov. [External Site]