Bank account while waiting for a visa?
May 19th 2011, 4:47 pm
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 100
Bank account while waiting for a visa?
I am waiting for an FB 3 visa, probably got another 5 years or so left.
My question is, can I open a bank account in the states from here in the UK and pay into it while I wait?
Thank you.
My question is, can I open a bank account in the states from here in the UK and pay into it while I wait?
Thank you.
May 19th 2011, 6:10 pm
#2
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,170
Re: Bank account while waiting for a visa?
It'll be hard, most want to see you in person, but it's not against the law...might be easier using a US bank who has a presence in the UK.
May 19th 2011, 10:19 pm
#4
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 100
Re: Bank account while waiting for a visa?
May 21st 2011, 7:22 pm
#5
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8
Re: Bank account while waiting for a visa?
I too am waiting for a family sponcer visa its my understanding you cant open account while in Uk
May 22nd 2011, 5:57 am
#7
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8
Re: Bank account while waiting for a visa?
I stand corrected
May 22nd 2011, 2:41 pm
#8
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,847
Re: Bank account while waiting for a visa?
I believe that if you select a bank account that attracts interest, even a crappy 0.4% like many do, then you will need to provide a W-9 form soon after opening the account, and your W-9 form will contain either your SSN or your TIN.
SSN = social security number - you'll only get one of these typically once your visa is agreed & you are personally in the US.
TIN = tax ID number - this allows you to engage in various financial transactions (such as paying money in to a US savings account) and file a tax return each year to the US tax authorities - which I believe you may have to do.
Good luck with it all!
Cheers
HTS
SSN = social security number - you'll only get one of these typically once your visa is agreed & you are personally in the US.
TIN = tax ID number - this allows you to engage in various financial transactions (such as paying money in to a US savings account) and file a tax return each year to the US tax authorities - which I believe you may have to do.
Good luck with it all!
Cheers
HTS
