Can my Brazilian wife get a social security number? If not how to get ITIN fast? We are currently in Northern Brazil If she can get SS number from Brazil please explain

[otter2208]

Whats the fastest and easiest way to get either SS or ITIN number fast and free

[LeticiaF1]

To get a SS number you would have to start an immigration process that can be long and costly.  Getting an ITIN, although it takes time is probably the easiest and the IRS does not charge for it.  Per the IRS Form W7 Instructions, you may need an ITIN if you’re a:

• Nonresident alien claiming a tax treaty benefit
• Nonresident alien filing a U.S. federal tax return
• Resident alien filing a U.S. federal tax return
• Dependent or spouse of a U.S. citizen/resident alien
• Nonresident alien student, professor or researcher filing a U.S. federal tax return or claiming an exception
• Dependent or spouse of a nonresident alien U.S. visa holder

Instructions for Form W-7

[NCperson]

@otter2208 for what purpose?

if she is non-resident alien to the US, obtaining an SSN would be problematic.  

[Opus 17 · Accepted solution]

If you want to file a joint tax return, you would include an ITIN application with your tax return and mail them both to the same address for processing.  Otherwise, the IRS issues ITINs only for identification (not for work authorization) and only if the person has a financial connection to the US, such as running a business or being married to a US person and filing a joint return.