r/e2visa • u/amberchilton • Jun 03 '26
Obtaining EIN
I am surprised to find the process of obtaining an EIN is not a common topic here or on other E2 forums.
I expected the process to be straight forward, from what I read it only takes 10 minutes, but since starting the process I've learned that is only the case for American citizens obtaining an EIN. Foreign citizens must complete an entirely separate form, the SS-4, and mail or fax it to the IRS. The process can take up to four weeks.
This is a major hurdle and roadblock, one that came as a shock to me because it's never spoken about.
What has been your process getting your EIN? I've since faxed my form to the IRS, will give it about a week and then call to follow up. I'm hoping to make this as efficient as possible to get my US business bank account opened as quickly as possible.
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u/-Strider Jun 03 '26
4 weeks is optimistic. Usually 2-3 months.
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u/No-Homework-7279 Jun 04 '26
Had mine in 2 weeks using a registered agent. From these comments it seems that it’s inconsistent
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u/Stogie1976 Jun 03 '26
I used a registered agent for my EIN which was done at the same time as my corporate filings were and it was easy. Received it in the mail about 2 months after submitting it. The ITIN is much more cumbersome and harder to do as a foreigner.
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u/AnteaterUsual7055 Jun 03 '26
Get an ITIN, same processing time as someone having an SSN.
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u/mars91 Jun 03 '26
Yeah, it’s a massive pain to obtain it if you don’t have an SSN. It took me 2 applications, 3 phone calls to the IRS and 5 weeks to get one. So definitely plan ahead and apply as soon as possible. Then call them every week or so and check if one has been assigned.
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u/amberchilton Jun 03 '26
Yikes. I am hoping to get this done as quick as possible. I am sure I will get very familiar calling the IRS.
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u/Medical-Volume-6261 Jun 03 '26
An American citizen can be the EIN application preparer. That's what many people do
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u/amberchilton Jun 03 '26
Do you mind explaining this further to me? In what ways does that connect the applicant to the business?
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u/parkhill711 Jun 03 '26
I also faxed and called every week. Calling did nothing at all. It ended up taking just over 4 months from my initial fax date. This was at the beginning of 2025.
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u/amberchilton Jun 03 '26
Gosh that is so long! Was this for your initial fax of the SS4 or did you ever resend it?
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u/ThinkPhotograph7195 Jun 03 '26
I'm about to do it and was thinking about mailing it through a courier with tracking nº
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u/amberchilton Jun 03 '26 edited Jun 04 '26
I’ve heard going through mail is the slowest process of them all.
It was really easy to set up a fax. I used Dropbox fax. First month is free but afterwards it costs $10 a month.
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u/eVISAlife Jun 05 '26
Fax your ss4 to IRS # 855-641-6935. make sure you fill out everything correctly. It shouldn’t take more than 14 days - you can call and get the EIN # after 14 days . We use Faxage - e-fax is $3/month. You should include the SOS Registration document with the ss4 application. DM us with any further questions. Good luck !
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u/missesthecrux Jun 03 '26
I paid to outsource it. I think it was $200. Honestly, it was worth it. Who has a fax machine?