Do you ever ask yourself, “Can I work at Amazon with an ITIN number?” It’s a pretty relevant question—especially when one does not yet possess a Social Security Number but has an ITIN. Amazon, as of now, stands as one of the largest employers in the world, and many are applying for various positions there.
But can an ITIN alone help someone get a job at this tech giant? Let’s see the details.
What is an ITIN?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is the actual tax processing number assigned to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
It is assigned to an individual who has been required to have a U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number but is not eligible to receive a Social Security Number (SSN). ITINs are primarily used for tax purposes and consist of nine digits that begin with the digit ‘9’.
They are available to both residents and non-residents. International students, for example, and undocumented persons who have U.S. income but cannot qualify for an SSN. However, with an ITIN, you cannot work in the U.S. based on your benefit yourself.
ITIN vs SSN: Which is Which?
- An SSN: This number is used by citizens, permanent residents, and certain temporary workers so that a person can work and collect Social Security.
- An ITIN: This number is only for tax reporting purposes and is not indicative of a worker having any kind of work authorization.
Can You Work at Amazon with an ITIN?
The quick answer is No, you can’t work for Amazon with just an ITIN. Any employer, like most in the United States, will require employees to have legal permission to work in the United States. So, either the SSN or a valid work visa is required.
Why is a Social Security Number Necessary for Employment?
An employer like Amazon guarantees that an employee is lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. This is one of the reasons an SSN is so important.
It verifies that you are either a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or someone who has a valid visa issued for working. The IRS and USCIS mandate employers to withhold tax from employees’ salaries, and an SSN enables them to track those contributions.
ITIN Holders: What Are Your Options?
If you already have an ITIN but want to work at Amazon or another company in the U.S., you will need to find ways of obtaining authorization to work. Here are your options:
- Change Your Immigration Status: If you are here on a visa that does not permit work, you can explore changing your immigration status. For example, if you are an international student on F-1 status, you may be able to participate in a form of temporary work in the field of study known as Optional Practical Training. If you’re undocumented, speak with an immigration attorney concerning available options for immigration relief, application for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), or other forms of relief.
- Application for Social Security Number: Depending on your eligibility to work and which company you are currently working with in the United States on an ITIN, you might be eligible to apply for an SSN, then use that number to apply to work for companies such as Amazon.
- Search for Contract or Freelancing Work: Many people with ITINs find themselves working as independent contractors or freelancers. This is not the same as a full-time position with a company such as Amazon, but it is an absolutely valid source of income. Ensure that you are meeting tax and immigration law requirements when working as an independent contractor with an ITIN.
What About the Independent Contractor Roles on Amazon?
Amazon offers independent contractor opportunities through various services, such as working through Amazon Flex, where people are able to use their own cars to deliver packages.
Even for those roles, you’ll probably need legal work authorization, which generally means an SSN.
Amazon Flex and ITIN: Is It Possible?
You can deliver packages on your own schedule using Amazon Flex. Some wonder whether an ITIN is enough to sign up. In this case, the answer is also No. To sign up for Amazon Flex, you will require an SSN. Why? There are three reasons:
- Amazon has to report earnings to the IRS and needs an SSN to do so.
- They cannot pay you through its international bank account to an international ITIN.
- Amazon cannot issue a W-2 to an international ITIN.
Importance of Legal Work Authorization
As an important part of this understanding, one must know that without proper authorization to work in the U.S., deportation may result, and future applications for legal status or citizenship may be complicated.
Similarly, companies like Amazon are contractually required to verify the eligibility of their employees to work within the United States through a system called E-Verify, checking their information against government databases.
Therefore, passing this verification process without proper work authorization is impossible.
Conclusion: Can One Work at Amazon Using ITIN?
Therefore, is it possible to work at Amazon with an ITIN? The answer is No, since an ITIN only provides tax purposes, not legal work authorization. To work at Amazon or in large companies in the U.S., an SSN or a valid work visa will be needed.
If you have work authorization pending, as you are in the process of getting legal work authorization, you still have other options. If you need to discuss this with an attorney or need a change to your current status, then there are many other doors that will open for you.
An ITIN is good for tax purposes, but it will not work at Amazon as a ticket for permission to work.
An ITIN is good for tax purposes, not work authorization, and an SSN would be required should you work at Amazon. Additionally, to work here legally, you would have to live in the United States legally.
Ensure that you obtain any immigration status change or SSN application through proper methods. Now, when you want to work at Amazon, confirming work authorization is a crucial step. Good luck!
For more detailed information on Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), including how to apply and legal considerations, visit the IRS official page on ITINs.
For further assistance with ITIN applications, check out our ITIN page.