Question about SSN, ITIN, and expired passport

[Jenerii 1]

Hi all, 

 

Hope this is the right place to post this.

 

My wife and I'm looking for a new apartment due to mold in our current place.

 

However, my wife doesn't have a SSN - she applied last year and they denied her request due to a name error in her i94 (it's been fixed now - but it was too late because her i-94 is expired) We sent our AOS package a while ago and they sent us a RFE but that's another story. But as a result, the process is delayed and my wife can't get her new SSN anytime soon.

 

The apartment we've been looking for said they won't accept my wife if she doesn't have a SSN or a ITIN. I don't completely understand what an ITIN is - but it has something to do with taxes? My wife doesn't work, so I'm not sure why an ITIN is necessary. The apartment is also asking for her passport as a form of identification. But her passport's been expired for a couple of months. 

 

Are we completely screwed here? 

[Crazy Cat 41,981]

The new apartment manager needs to conduct a background check.  That's why they need a SSN.  I would explain, to them, the issue with the SSN, and that she will supply her SSN upon receipt.  Did your wife submit an I-765 and request a SSN?  Her expired passport should still work to identify her (if they will accept it)...

Edited February 5, 2021 by Lucky Cat

[aaron2020 11,651]

Yes, you're screwed.  You will have to look for another place that will allow your wife to live there without an SSN or ITIN.  Landlords need SSN to run background checks.  Most are not familiar with the problems associated with adjusting status.  

 

Even though your wife does not work, an ITIN would be necessary for the two of you to file a joint tax return.  Without an SSN or ITIN, you would have to file married filing separately which will mean higher taxes.  Once she gets her SSN, you can amend your tax return to file jointly and get a refund of the excess taxes paid.  

Contact the Portugal Embassy to renew her passport.  

 

Edited February 5, 2021 by aaron2020

[americanussie 0]

just use only yourself as a renter, and she would be an occupant. this is what I did and it worked fine. the only background check they will do is for you