After you submit your ITIN application, the IRS processes it in seven to eleven weeks, typically, though peak season applications may take longer. During this time, the IRS reviews your Form W-7, verifies your identity documents, and makes a decision to approve, request more information, or reject. You'll receive one of three notices by mail: CP565 (approved), CP566 (more information needed), or CP567 (rejected), each requiring different actions from you.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about ITIN application processing based on typical IRS procedures. Processing times and procedures may vary. For specific questions about your application, contact the IRS or consult a tax professional.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Processing time | 7-11 weeks typically (9-11 weeks peak season) |
| Three possible outcomes | Approved (CP565), More info needed (CP566), Rejected (CP567) |
| Document return | 60 days after submission (mail applications) |
| Status checking | Call the IRS after 7 weeks at 1-800-829-1040 |
| Tax refund processing | After the ITIN is issued (if a return is filed) |
| What to watch for | IRS correspondence in the mail |
Right after you submit your ITIN application, different processes begin depending on how you submitted your Form W-7 and supporting documents to the IRS. The initial days involve your application physically arriving at the IRS processing center in Austin, Texas, where it will be logged into their system.
If you mailed your application, it travels through the US Postal Service, taking three to seven days for delivery to the processing center. Using certified mail with tracking allows you to confirm delivery, though you won't receive immediate confirmation that the IRS received your specific application package successfully. The IRS does not send acknowledgment letters for routine ITIN applications unless there is a problem requiring your immediate attention or response from you.
If you used a Certifying Acceptance Agent, they reviewed your documents in person and returned your originals immediately while submitting certified copies to the IRS. This submission method provides peace of mind that your application was reviewed by a professional before reaching the IRS processing center for evaluation. Make detailed notes of your submission date, what documents you sent, and keep copies of everything submitted for your records and future reference.
Understanding the typical processing stages helps manage expectations and reduces anxiety while waiting for your ITIN assignment or IRS response to your application.
ITIN APPLICATION POST-SUBMISSION TIMELINE
↓
Application arrives at IRS Austin
↓
Logged into the system
↓
Assigned tracking number
↓
Completeness check
↓
Document verification begins
↓
Form W-7 data entry
↓
Identity document review
↓
Foreign status verification
↓
The decision stage begins
↓
CP565 (approved)
OR
↓
CP566 (more info needed)
OR
↓
CP567 (rejected)
↓
Notice mailed to the applicant
Weeks one through three involve the IRS receiving your application, opening it, date-stamping contents, and scanning everything into their electronic processing system. Basic completeness checks occur to ensure Form W-7 is signed, identity documents are included, and required information is present on all forms. Applications with obvious missing elements may be flagged immediately for rejection or information request notices, while complete applications move forward to detailed stages.
Weeks four through seven involve detailed document verification, where IRS processors examine your identity documents against their acceptable document list to verify requirements. Original documents or certified copies are reviewed for authenticity, expiration dates, clarity, and whether the combination you submitted meets IRS specifications for applications. If you attached a tax return, the IRS reviews it for completeness and consistency with your Form W-7 information during this phase.
Weeks eight through eleven involve final determination: approve and assign an ITIN, request additional information through CP566 notice, or reject the application entirely. The appropriate notice—CP565, CP566, or CP567—is generated by the IRS system and prepared for mailing to the address you provided on Form W-7. International addresses may experience additional mailing delays of two to four weeks beyond domestic delivery times after notices are generated and mailed.
The IRS will send you one of three notices by mail to the address you provided on your Form W-7 application. Each notice arrives on official IRS letterhead, references your application, contains specific information about your status, and requires different actions from you.
| Notice Type | CP Number | What It Means | What To Do | Timeline Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approved | CP565 | ITIN successfully assigned | Use ITIN; keep notice safe | No delay - complete |
| More Info | CP566 | Incomplete/unclear | Send info within 45 days | 6-8 weeks additional |
| Rejected | CP567 | Application denied | Correct issues; reapply | Start over (7-11 weeks) |
Receiving CP565 means your ITIN application was approved, and the IRS has assigned you a nine-digit Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. This is the good news notice confirming that your application met all IRS requirements and your ITIN is valid for immediate use.
Your assigned ITIN appears prominently on the notice in 9XX-XX-XXXX format, always starting with the number nine since all ITINs begin with nine. The notice includes your full name as it appears in IRS records, your mailing address, the date the ITIN was assigned, and instructions. Verify all information immediately for accuracy, checking name spelling, confirming the ITIN number, and reviewing your address to ensure everything is correct in the systems.
Store your CP565 notice safely with important tax documents, making photocopies for your records while keeping the original in a secure location. You will need to reference this ITIN number frequently when filing tax returns, completing employment forms, opening financial accounts, and claiming tax treaty benefits. Use your ITIN on US federal tax returns, state tax returns where required, W-4 forms for employment withholding, and financial account applications.
If you filed a tax return with your application, it will be processed automatically now that your ITIN has been assigned, and any refund will be issued. Allow an additional two to three weeks after receiving CP565 for return processing before checking refund status through the IRS systems online.
CP566 means the IRS is still processing your application but needs additional documentation or clarification from you before making a final decision. Your application has not been rejected, and you have an opportunity to provide what the IRS needs to complete processing successfully.
Common reasons for CP566 include document issues where one or more documents don't meet IRS requirements or documents are unclear or illegible. Form W-7 issues include missing information, inconsistent information between the form and documents, unclear reason for needing an ITIN, or missing signatures. Supporting documentation problems arise when exception documentation is insufficient or when dependent relationships are unclear to IRS processors reviewing your application materials.
Read the notice carefully to understand exactly what the IRS needs, noting the specific deadline date, which is typically forty-five days from the notice. Gather the specific documents or information requested, ensuring they meet IRS requirements by obtaining certified copies if needed and preparing required English translations. Prepare a complete response package, including a copy of the CP566 notice, all requested documents, and a cover letter explaining what you're sending clearly.
Mail your response to the address specified on CP566 using certified mail for tracking, sending well before the forty-five-day deadline to ensure arrival. Keep copies of everything you send, as the IRS will review your additional information and take six to eight additional weeks to process. You must respond within 45 days from the CP566 notice date, or your application is automatically closed.
CP567 is the rejection notice indicating the IRS cannot approve your ITIN application based on the information and documents you submitted originally. Specific reasons are provided explaining why your application was denied, but you can reapply after correcting all identified issues with proper documentation.
Documentation problems lead most rejections: documents don't adequately prove identity and foreign status, photocopies were submitted instead of originals or certified copies, or documents have expired. Eligibility issues include applicants who don't actually qualify for ITINs, already have Social Security Numbers, or are US citizens who should get SSNs instead. Form W-7 errors, such as incorrect information, wrong reason codes selected, unsigned forms, names not matching documents, or missing required fields, also cause rejections.
Understand exactly why your application was rejected by reading the notice carefully and identifying each specific rejection reason listed on the notice. Determine whether the issues are correctable and whether you truly need and qualify for an ITIN before investing time in reapplication efforts. Correct all identified issues by obtaining proper documents that meet IRS specifications, fixing Form W-7 errors you made, and addressing every rejection reason listed.
Submit a completely new application with a new Form W-7, gathering all required documents correctly this time, and considering a Certifying Acceptance Agent submission for document security. Contact us for reapplication assistance if you've received a rejection notice and need guidance on correcting issues properly.
If you mailed original documents, they will return separately from your ITIN notice about sixty days after submission, often arriving two to eight weeks after the notice. IRS holds documents during processing for verification purposes, then returns them by standard mail without tracking to your Form W-7 address. If you used a Certifying Acceptance Agent or Taxpayer Assistance Center, you kept your original documents at your appointment and don't wait.
If documents don't arrive within fourteen weeks from your original submission date, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to inquire about document return status. The IRS can initiate a tracer request to locate missing documents, though this process may take an additional thirty days to complete the investigation.
Limited status checking options are available for ITIN applications, as the IRS does not provide online ITIN tracking systems like tax refunds.
| Method | When Available | Information Provided | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone (IRS) | After 7 weeks | General status, if received | Direct confirmation |
| Mail Inquiry | After 9 weeks | Written response (slow) | Documentation |
| Professional | Anytime | Better understanding | Complex situations |
Call 1-800-829-1040 after seven weeks from submission, as calling before seven weeks results in IRS representatives telling you the application is still processing. Have ready your full name exactly as on Form W-7, date of birth, mailing address, country of citizenship, and approximate submission date. Expect long hold times of thirty to ninety minutes during peak season, and be prepared for general information only rather than detailed processing.
Monitor your mail daily, checking for IRS envelopes, watching carefully as IRS correspondence uses plain envelopes that may look like junk mail. Keep copies of everything you submitted accessible, including Form W-7, tax returns, documents, and mailing receipts for easy reference if needed during inquiries.
Wait at least seven weeks before calling the IRS for status inquiries, as earlier calls receive "still processing" responses that waste your time. If you filed a tax return with your application, your refund is held until the ITIN is issued and cannot be tracked. If you move during processing, file Form 8822 (Change of Address) immediately, since IRS mail goes to your Form W-7 address only.
How long after submitting should I expect my ITIN?
Typically, seven to nine weeks during off-peak season or nine to eleven weeks during peak tax season from January through April. Processing times vary based on IRS workload and application completeness.
Can I track my ITIN application online?
No, the IRS does not provide online ITIN application tracking. The only way to check the status is by calling 1-800-829-1040 after seven weeks.
What does it mean if I haven't heard anything after 8 weeks?
Eight weeks is still within normal processing time, especially during peak season. No news typically means your application is still being processed normally.
If I get CP566, does that mean I'm rejected?
No, CP566 means the IRS needs additional information but has not rejected your application. You have forty-five days to respond properly.
When will I get my original documents back?
If you mailed originals, they typically return sixty days after submission, arriving two to eight weeks after your ITIN notice arrives by mail.
What if it's been 16+ weeks and I've heard nothing?
After sixteen weeks with no notice,e something is likely wrong. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 immediately to check if your application was received.
Can I check the status before 7 weeks?
You can call, but the IRS will only say "still processing" for seven weeks since applications are in early processing stages.
What if I moved after submitting?
File Form 8822 (Change of Address) immediately so IRS mail reaches you at your new address instead of your old Form W-7 address.
Will I get a refund faster if I already have my ITIN?
Your tax refund processing begins after your ITIN is issued. Expect two to three additional weeks for refund processing after receiving CP565.
What should I do if I receive CP567?
Review rejection reasons carefully, correct all issues, gather proper documentation, and submit a completely new application addressing every problem listed on the notice.
Whether you're waiting for your ITIN or have received a CP566 or CP567 notice requiring action, professional assistance can help you navigate the next steps successfully. We help applicants interpret IRS notices, respond to CP566 information requests within deadlines, and correct issues that led to CP567 rejection completely.
Professional help is particularly valuable after CP566 when you need to understand exactly what the IRS wants and meet the forty-five-day deadline correctly. After CP567 rejection, we analyze rejection reasons, correct all identified issues, and ensure complete reapplication to avoid repeated rejection and delays. For comprehensive information about ITIN eligibility and processes, review our complete guide and frequently asked questions covering common scenarios applicants face.
After submitting your ITIN application, processing typically takes seven to eleven weeks, with three possible outcomes through IRS notices mailed to your address. CP565 means approval with your assigned ITIN, ready to use immediately on tax returns and financial applications as your tax identification. CP566 requires a response within forty-five days, providing the requested information before the IRS can complete processing and make a final approval decision properly.
CP567 means rejection, but you can reapply after correcting all identified issues with proper documentation, meeting IRS requirements for identity and foreign status. Monitor your mail daily for IRS correspondence, wait at least seven weeks before checking status by phone, and respond promptly to any notices. If you receive CP566 or CP567, contact our team for assistance responding or reapplying correctly with professional guidance.