It is not as easy as it used to be to get an ITIN. You now need to have a demonstrated reason for needing one and even then, they will issue it only after you file your first tax return. I have a SSN but Mr, Fink has an ITIN. We file US taxes annually and he had to renew his ITIN last year. If we had not been filing (our "reason" for needing one) they would not have renewed his ITIN.

Have a look at the site here: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/indi...ication-number

Tax return requirement: All Form W-7 applications, including renewals, must include a U.S. federal tax return unless you meet an exception to the filing requirement.