According to their status, a foreign national residing in the United States is classed as a resident alien or a non-resident alien. When you contact a financial institution about opening an us checking account for non -residents, the financial organisation will ask if you are a resident alien or a non-resident alien.
Aliens who have established a presence in the region
If you have a valid green card or fulfil the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) standards for a substantial presence in the United States during the current calendar year, you are considered a resident alien for federal tax purposes.
The term “exempt individual” is defined as follows:
Exemption durations vary according to the kind of visa. For instance, if you are an international student in possession of a F visa, you are regarded an exempt person for the period of your five-year study permit. If you meet the aforementioned condition for considerable presence, you will be categorised as a resident alien starting in year six.
Aliens who do not live in the United States are referred to as non-resident aliens.
A non-resident alien is a non-citizen of the United States who is not a lawful permanent resident throughout the calendar year and does not meet the requirements for significant presence outlined in the previous section of this section. Non-resident aliens continue to be allowed to open bank accounts in the United States.
Is a Social Security number required to open a bank account?
While it is possible to open a bank account without supplying a Social Security number, the procedure will involve a visit to a bank branch. Due to the fact that online banks lack physical facilities where consumers may walk in and chat with a customer service person, it is more difficult for these financial institutions to verify the identity of someone who does not have a Social Security number.
How to open a bank account without disclosing your Social Security number
Resident aliens with a Social Security number may apply for a bank account online in the same manner as any other American citizen. This is due to the fact that they are considered permanent residents of the United States.