My wife and I are L1 visa holders but our daughter is an L2 dependent. How do we claim her as a dependent?

[EA1Narn]

My wife and I are L1 visa holders but our daughter is an L2 dependent. How do we claim her as a dependent without an SSN. My daughter doesn't have an SSN but my wife and I do. I appreciate there may be a need to get an ITIN for my daughter but is the dependency/deduction level the same with ITIN as it would be with a child who has an SSN?

[MarilynG1 · Accepted solution]

Yes, you would need to mail your tax return with a Form W-7 Application for an ITIN for your daughter.

The deduction is the same for a child with an ITIN as with a SSN.

Here's more details on Filing with a W-7. 

[AmeliesUncle]

I recommend going to a CAA to get an ITIN.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/acceptance-agent-program

The Child Tax Credit for a SSN is very different than for an ITIN.  Generally, the Child Tax Credit for a SSN can be up to $2000, but the credit for an ITIN is only up to $500.