Obtaining the California RN license by proving ITIN intead of SSN

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I'm a California BON NCLEX-RN passer.I have not been able to obtain my California RN license because of my failure to provide a US Social Security Number because I'm still a resident of the Philippines.I learned that from another forum that one can claim their US RN license by applying for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number(ITIN) as a substitute for the SSN.Are there disadvantages in doing this?

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.

It page 19 in the document or page 20 in the adobe reader - I find the term legal counsel is not very clear, it makes me think one attorney used this as a work around.

Also when you do have a legal position when the IRS cross references numbers that would be a mess I would would want to deal with. It could flag the nurse for an audit or worse for committing fraud.

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Specializes in Med-Surg,OPD ER,School/Clinic,Teaching.

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."

This particular statement is what I find most interesting...

Has anyone tried to contact the US social security with this source? I would really be interested to hear of the results...

Maybe they could provide an SSN number that does not have work authorization, just for the purpose of completing the licensure process.

ITIN does not interest me, as I am against the use of it too because SSN is required not ITIN. I know of a particular agency here in the Philippines that charges a huge fee for such an otiose service of gaining license through the ITIN instead of the SSN.

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This particular statement is what I find most interesting...

Has anyone tried to contact the US social security with this source? I would really be interested to hear of the results...

Maybe they could provide an SSN number that does not have work authorization, just for the purpose of completing the licensure process.

ITIN does not interest me, as I am against the use of it too because SSN is required not ITIN. I know of a particular agency here in the Philippines that charges a huge fee for such an otiose service of gaining license through the ITIN instead of the SSN.

First of all both the ITIN number is FREE any agency that charges is a scam. It costs nothing to get a SSN either, ask SSN, I am only assuming if SSN would authorize a SSN it would have been done or the BON would have suggested it ( think of all the extra work they generate by granting extensions).

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10096.html

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Specializes in Med-Surg,OPD ER,School/Clinic,Teaching.
First of all both the ITIN number is FREE any agency that charges is a scam. It costs nothing to get a SSN either, ask SSN, I am only assuming if SSN would authorize a SSN it would have been done or the BON would have suggested it ( think of all the extra work they generate by granting extensions).

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10096.html

Indeed, you are absolutely correct.

Yes, right. Thanks for presenting your view and I agree with it. I just hope that in the near future, SSA could address this one, I mean, giving what they lack to get the license, the US social security number.

Having a license number is very important for nurses, I hope someday all boards will issue the RN license to those who are qualified.

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Indeed, you are absolutely correct.

Yes, right. Thanks for presenting your view and I agree with it. I just hope that in the near future, SSA could address this one, I mean, giving what they lack to get the license, the US social security number.

Having a license number is very important for nurses, I hope someday all boards will issue the RN license to those who are qualified.

The state uses the SSN to generate income. For example is unpaid taxes are on file you don't get your license until you pay up. Ditto for child support, work as private contractor or any government fess that are outstanding. As a tax paying member of my state, I would be opposed to two standards, why should I have to give my SSN while a non resident doesn't?

If my state lifted the requirement for SSN, I would request immediately that my SSN be removed from the system. This also holds true of any license held in my state. It probably generates Millions of dollars of state income.

I too would be thrilled to have the SSN removed, will it happen, never in my state and probably not in other states since states are looking for more revenue sources.

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Having a license number is very important for nurses, I hope someday all boards will issue the RN license to those who are qualified.

Each US state has the right to regulate the practice of nursing within its own borders, and to determine the qualifications for licensure within its borders. If a state has determined that a SSN is required for licensure and you don't have an SSN, then you're not "qualified."

Please keep in mind that one of the reasons more and more states are requiring the SSN is because of the number of people in the past who have worked illegally in the US as nurses. Requiring the SSN before issuing a license is one attempt to cut down on that.

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Each state has the right to protect its residents and citizens. The BRN isn't obligated to provide a license to all those who are qualified whether the lack ss# or not. As a previous poster stated, why should we citizens be required to provide a ss# and a non resident doesn't have to. I agree that all should be required to provide a valid ss#, and if you don't have one then you don't qualify for a license. Most states are leaning towards a ss#, and some don't require and that's their right not to have to require a ss# for issue of a license. Those nurses who are issued a license with out a ss# really are limited anyway because they can't work in any hospital with out a ss# and they can't get a federal job in another state anyway with out a ss# anyway even if they do have a license. So they still do have their restrictions.

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Specializes in Med-Surg,OPD ER,School/Clinic,Teaching.
The state uses the SSN to generate income. For example is unpaid taxes are on file you don't get your license until you pay up. Ditto for child support, work as private contractor or any government fess that are outstanding. As a tax paying member of my state, I would be opposed to two standards, why should I have to give my SSN while a non resident doesn't?

If my state lifted the requirement for SSN, I would request immediately that my SSN be removed from the system. This also holds true of any license held in my state. It probably generates Millions of dollars of state income.

I too would be thrilled to have the SSN removed, will it happen, never in my state and probably not in other states since states are looking for more revenue sources.

Thanks, it's very informative.

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Specializes in Med-Surg,OPD ER,School/Clinic,Teaching.
Each US state has the right to regulate the practice of nursing within its own borders, and to determine the qualifications for licensure within its borders. If a state has determined that a SSN is required for licensure and you don't have an SSN, then you're not "qualified."

Please keep in mind that one of the reasons more and more states are requiring the SSN is because of the number of people in the past who have worked illegally in the US as nurses. Requiring the SSN before issuing a license is one attempt to cut down on that.

Okay, thanks for the information.

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I am really speechless with all the posts that I've read, all I can say is that nursing once an indemand course, is now becoming an "immigration" issue for some countries, I am really disappointed with everything that is happening with the retrogression and all. Nursing has been highly discriminated, I think its time for us to help uplift our profession and have a stand to what everything is going on. I am currently in the US, I do not have an SSN and I plan to retake the NCLEX RN using my ITIN, I've read one post said that I might commit fraud by doing this but as I browsed the CA BRNs website I didnt saw anything with regards to that. I am hopeful that CA BRN will plead to my case since I am a taxpayer, for what I've understood SSN is required solely for tax purposes or correct me if I'm wrong. I know it's quite impossible for my case as new rules have been set but we are all nurses here so please help me uplift my fighting spirit and my will power :). Although much evidence have been presented here, which I must admit made me frustrated but then I am really hoping and praying that my case will be approved and I will be able to take NCLEX-RN and pass it this time. I have become more committed to my profession since it is the only way to help my family. That's all thank you very much... I just want to say something :)

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
I am really speechless with all the posts that I've read, all I can say is that nursing once an indemand course, is now becoming an "immigration" issue for some countries, I am really disappointed with everything that is happening with the retrogression and all. Nursing has been highly discriminated, I think its time for us to help uplift our profession and have a stand to what everything is going on. I am currently in the US, I do not have an SSN and I plan to retake the NCLEX RN using my ITIN, I've read one post said that I might commit fraud by doing this but as I browsed the CA BRNs website I didnt saw anything with regards to that. I am hopeful that CA BRN will plead to my case since I am a taxpayer, for what I've understood SSN is required solely for tax purposes or correct me if I'm wrong. I know it's quite impossible for my case as new rules have been set but we are all nurses here so please help me uplift my fighting spirit and my will power :). Although much evidence have been presented here, which I must admit made me frustrated but then I am really hoping and praying that my case will be approved and I will be able to take NCLEX-RN and pass it this time. I have become more committed to my profession since it is the only way to help my family. That's all thank you very much... I just want to say something :)

Be aware that CA have changed their policy in the last month and they may not accept your ITIN. I suggest you contact them and see. SSN is not purely for tax purposes, it is required for job, claim certain benefits

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Specializes in CTICU.
I've understood SSN is required solely for tax purposes or correct me if I'm wrong.

SSN is also used to determine eligibility for government benefits, and to prove legal right to work in the US.

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