An ITN lets non-residents file taxes, reduce withholding on Canadian income, dispose of property, or handle other tax-related stuff. Plus, it's a game-changer alternative to Social Insurance Number (SIN) for opening non-resident bank accounts at places like Neo, TD Bank or RBC, which can lead to building credit and applying for cards from issuers like Capital One or CIBC. Processing times have improved, but plan ahead – official estimates say 6-8 weeks, though my data points show 2-3 weeks in practice.
Step 1: Download and Prepare the Application Form#
Start by grabbing Form T1261 from the official CRA website. It's straightforward and covers your personal details, reason for applying, and supporting docs.
- Head to the CRA's ITN application page: CRA ITN Application
- Check the box for your reason (e.g., filing a tax return or reducing withholding tax) to avoid delays.
- Fill in your name, foreign address (your home outside Canada), date of birth, and contact info.
- If you have a Canadian mailing address, add it – more on this below.
Step 2: Set Up a Canadian Mailing Address (Highly Recommended)#
While optional, providing a Canadian mailing address speeds up receiving your ITN letter. Without it, the CRA will send it to your foreign address, adding weeks.
- Use a friend or family member's address in Canada.
- Or, rent a virtual mailbox through services like Anytime Mailbox (ATMB) – they provide a real Canadian street address for about $10/month.
This has cut my wait time significantly in past applications.
Step 3: Get Your Passport Certified or Notarized#
This is the crucial part – the CRA requires proof of identity, and a simple photocopy won't cut it. You need an original, certified, or notarized copy of your passport (or other ID like a driver's license with photo and DOB).
- Option 1: Embassy/Consulate: Visit a US embassy if available. They often offer notarization for a small fee (around $50 USD). Book an appointment online and bring your original passport – they'll certify the copy on-site.
- Option 2: Local Notary or Professional: Use a notary public, lawyer, doctor, or chartered accountant. Search for "notary services near me" or "document attestation centers." The key is an original wet-ink signature (no electronic or copied sigs) on the copy, plus their title, address, and contact info. It must state it's a "true copy of the original."
- Cost: Typically $20-50, done in hours or right away.
- Important: You can't certify your own documents, and faxes/photocopies of certifications are rejected.
From my trials, a local notary is often the easiest and cheapest route, especially if you're abroad or even in Canada.
Step 4: Sign and Mail Your Application#
- Sign the form with an original wet-ink signature (no e-sign allowed).
- Gather: Completed T1261, certified passport copy.
- Mail it via tracked service to:
Attn: ITN Unit
Services and Benefits
Section Benefits Division
Sudbury Tax Centre
1050 Notre Dame Ave
Sudbury, ON P3A 5C1
Canada
Track your package to confirm receipt – processing starts then. If no word after 8 weeks, call the CRA at their Sudbury line (they accept collect calls).
Timeline and What to Expect#
Officially, expect 6-8 weeks for your ITN letter. But based on my experience and community reports, it's often 2-3 weeks once received. Factors like complete apps and a Canadian address help speed things up.
After You Get Your ITN: Next Steps#
Congrats! Now use it to:
- Open a chequing account (e.g., at TD or RBC – many offer online apps with ITN).
- Apply for starter credit cards to build credit (Capital One secured card or Neo Secured).
Disclaimer: This is based on personal experience and CRA guidelines as of 2025. Rules can change, so verify with official sources.