Question
We have just moved to the US from Canada. Our story is typical - long credit history in Canada, trying to built one in the US. I am in the US on a work visa (H1B) and have a SSN. I did get a credit card through Wells Fargo after a Canadian credit check and based on cash in our US account.
My wife is here on a "dependent" visa (H7) and can not have a SSN. She can, however, get a IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Can this be used to apply for a credit card of her own? If so I hope to push the bank to issue a card under her name so that she can built up a credit history while we wait for permanent residency status.
Thanks for your help.
now from RST
Answer
Sorry,
Should be credit card without SSN
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You can try two things:
1) Get a ITIN from IRS, it actually looks like a SSN!?!
2) She might get a credit card without SSN ITIN by purchasing a CD and give this CD as collateral (security) for the credit card, as she does not have a credit history in the US.
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Are you sure you cannot get SSN on dependent Visa?
I think if you want to get a drivers liscence in US, you need a SSN.So the DMV should give you a letter saying that you need a SSN.
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Thanks for the advice.
In the state of MN, you can get a DL without a SSN based on your visa.
At the Social Security office she was flatly turned down for a SSN and their web site is also clear on that.
As far as a CD, which bank will do this?
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Originally posted by fromYXU:
As far as a CD, which bank will do this?
I know two banks who did this: Barnett Bank, now Bank of America and SunTrust.
Actually any bank should do this, ask your bank.
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Originally posted by bertie_jeeves:
I think if you want to get a drivers liscence in US, you need a SSN.So the DMV should give you a letter saying that you need a SSN.
It works the other way around. If you get a US drivers licence and have no SSN, they get you to sign a document to say that you don't have one.
(eg. From Washington State: "Applicants who don't have an SSN may sign a Social Security Number Declaration form (DLE 520-031)."
It used to be much easier for foreigners to get US SSNs, but it's rather hard now. I knew people who got them easily when just visiting the US, but it's been changing. They won't issue them unless you have a government requirement to have one. (Which means that if it's just a bank that requires it, tough!)
Answer
try Chase world wide consumer banking for secured visa which sould give u some credit history