Obtaining the California RN license by proving ITIN intead of SSN

Silverdragon102, BSN · Nov 30, 2009

moved to the international forum

this has been discussed several times but you are only entitled to a itin number if already residing in the us or file us taxes and are not eligible for a ssn

an itin, or individual taxpayer identification number, is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a social security number (ssn).

irs.gov

elkpark · Nov 30, 2009

It has also been discussed here previously that the ITIN is not a valid substitute for a Social Security Number. CA will not issue you a license without a Social Security Number -- there is nothing else that will substitute for that.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2009

The application for the RN license DOESN'T state "please provide your valid SS# or ITIN#, it specifically asks for a social security number. If you provide CA BRN with the an ITIN # instead of a valid ss# then you're committing fraud, and are subject to consequences if you're caught. Go back on the CA BRN website and you will see a list of people who were caught committing fraud. Do you really want your name on such list?

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2009

Also there are states out there that don't require a ss# to get your initial license. You might want to try having your NCLEX results forwarded there that way you can apply for licensure in that state. Keep in mind some states don't require a ss# for initial licensure, but they might require it for renewal. Check out the stickies that Suzanne has so wonderfully put up for your information. Then start doing some thread searches for the states that don't require a ss# for initial licensure.

tosca rose · Dec 3, 2009

hi, i am also Ca RN passer, may I know where did you get this info? thanks

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Dec 3, 2009

From the BRN of different states. Do a search on this forum and you will find plenty of threads.

john83, BSN, RN · Dec 6, 2009

Here's an interesting link :

https://www.ncsbn.org/08_Manual_for_International_nurses.pdf

Silverdragon102, BSN · Dec 6, 2009

here's an interesting link :
https://www.ncsbn.org/08_manual_for_international_nurses.pdf

which states what has already been said individuals must have an itin if they file a u.s. tax return or if they are listed on a tax return as a spouse or a dependent and cannot obtain a valid ssn.

john83, BSN, RN · Dec 6, 2009

which states what has already been said individuals must have an itin if they file a u.s. tax return or if they are listed on a tax return as a spouse or a dependent and cannot obtain a valid ssn.

page 19 there in that document is very interesting...

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Dec 6, 2009

If you are referring to

"Several approaches to resolve this dilemma have been used by boards of nursing. Legal counsel in some

states requiring a social security number for licensure have interpreted that an ITIN can be used for initial

licensure. In some states, a letter is issued to the applicant to be taken to the social security office which

states that the nurse has completed all requirements and that the state statutes require a social security

number for licensure. Individuals should check the state in which they wish to practice to determine if this

is an issue."

Legal counsel is very ambiguous, is this one lawyer's opinion or the legal opinion of the board. This document does not say.

As one poster has mentioned here contact the BON, I am guessing if they would accept an ITIN they would put ITIN or SSN to me that makes sense.

The source cited in this document is

http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96287,00.html

This document is very clear, this number is only for reporting wages for tax purposes, if you are not earning income in the USA, you have no need for this number. If you are paying taxes in the USA you are entitled to this number when you submit your taxes. How many foreign nurses are paying US Taxes ? If they are paying US Taxes and have an ITIN number from paying taxes then I would ask the board if I could use this number since I am paying taxes to the US Government. If you don't pay taxes you have no need for the ITIN.

The way I see it, you may get a license with an ITIN number but what happens when you get permission to come to the USA and get a SSN? Your nursing license will not match your SSN- how would you explain this to the BON? If I was paying US taxes prior to becoming a nurse, I would have an explanation, if I only had this number only to get a license the board may think you were trying to circumvent the law. Of course the only true answer can from the board of nursing or case law.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Dec 6, 2009

Am I reading the wrong page, according to page 19 it states that having a ITIN number is only used for tax purposes ONLY. Immigrant workers, and those who are claimed on a tax return (spouse) have a ITIN number. If you don't fall under that category, then you don't qualify for a ITIN number.