The IRS says to allow about 7 weeks to hear back on a complete ITIN application. If you apply during peak tax season (January 15 through April 30) or from outside the United States, plan on 9 to 11 weeks. A missing document or an error on Form W-7 can push that out by several more weeks.
That clock starts when the IRS receives your application, not when you mail it. Here’s what happens in between and how to keep your application moving.
What the Timeline Looks Like
| Stage | Typical timing |
| Mail reaches the IRS ITIN Operation in Austin, Texas | A few days to two weeks, depending on how you send it |
| IRS reviews Form W-7, your tax return, and ID documents | Most of the 7-week window |
| Decision letter arrives by mail | Around week 7, or weeks 9 to 11 in peak season or from abroad |
| Original documents returned (if you mailed them) | Within 60 days of receipt |
Your tax return is processed along with the W-7. Any refund on that return waits until the ITIN is assigned, so a slow ITIN means a slow refund.
The Letter You’ll Get
The IRS answers by mail with a CP notice. Knowing which one you’re holding tells you what to do next.
| Notice | What it means | What to do |
| CP565 | Your ITIN has been assigned | Keep the letter safe; it shows your number |
| CP566 | The IRS needs more information | Send what’s asked by the deadline on the notice |
| CP567 | Your application was rejected | Read the reason, fix it, and reapply |
If you got a CP566, respond quickly. The IRS will close the application if it doesn’t hear back in time, and you’d have to start over.
Why Some Applications Take Longer
Most delays come from a few avoidable problems:
- Notarized copies instead of certified ones. The IRS only accepts originals or copies certified by the agency that issued the document. A notary’s stamp doesn’t count.
- Expired documents. Every ID you send must be current.
- No tax return attached. Unless you qualify for an exception, the W-7 must be filed with the federal return it’s needed for.
- Wrong reason box on Form W-7. Check the box that matches your situation. Dependents, spouses, and resident or nonresident aliens each have a different code. Children without a passport usually need a civil birth certificate.
- Mismatched names or dates. The name on the W-7 has to match your passport or other ID exactly.
- Peak season. Applications filed between mid-January and the end of April wait longer.
Our ITIN application documents guide covers the 13 accepted documents and which ones dependents need.
Three Ways to Apply, and How They Affect Timing
By mail. You send original documents or certified copies to Austin. Processing time is the standard 7 weeks, but you’ll be without your passport for up to 60 days. If you need to travel, this is the hardest option. Our passport documents page explains why you shouldn’t count on a quick replacement.
Through a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA). A CAA verifies your documents in person and keeps certified copies, so your passport stays with you. Processing time at the IRS is about the same, but the application is less likely to bounce for document problems. CAAs usually charge a fee.
At an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. Some offices verify ITIN documents in person by appointment. Like a CAA, you leave with your originals.
How to Check Your Status
There’s no online ITIN status tracker. After 7 weeks have passed (or 11 weeks in peak season), call the IRS:
- From inside the U.S.: 800-829-1040
- From outside the U.S.: 267-941-1000 (not toll-free)
Have your W-7 details and the date you mailed it ready. Calling earlier usually won’t get you an answer, because the application is still within normal processing time.
While You Wait
You can still take care of a few things:
- Banking. Some banks will open an account once you’ve applied for an ITIN. See what to bring in our bank account documents guide.
- Other tax paperwork. Keep copies of everything you sent, and start gathering next year’s tax filing documents.
- Students. F-1 and J-1 students who don’t qualify for an SSN often need an ITIN for tax treaty benefits; the student visa documents checklist explains which school paperwork to keep handy.
Renewing Takes the Same Time
An expired ITIN goes through the same process and timeline as a new one. ITINs expire if they aren’t used on a federal return for three straight years. If yours is expiring, see ITIN renewal and file before tax season to avoid refund delays.
Your ITIN Questions
Can I speed up my ITIN application? There’s no expedited service. The best way to save time is to apply outside peak season and use a CAA so your documents are checked before they reach the IRS.
What if 11 weeks have passed and I’ve heard nothing? Call the IRS number above. Ask whether your application was received and whether a notice was mailed. Letters sometimes get lost.
Will the IRS mail my passport back? Yes, to the address on your W-7, typically within 60 days. If it hasn’t arrived after 60 days, call the IRS.
Does an ITIN let me work in the U.S.? No. An ITIN is for tax filing only. It doesn’t give work authorization or change immigration status.