Applying to CC having SSN but no visa
Aug 24, 2013 | 10:14 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 3
Applying to CC having SSN but no visa
Hi
I have been living in US for 3 years on a J-1 visa and now I'm moving to Australia.
I still have the social security number, but I will no longer have any VISA.
I will keep my US bank account and my two US credit cards.
I will be back at least twice a year and I will be able to have a "billing address"
where they can send Stuff.
I need the credit cards only because of the miles (because I will be in Australia it will be nice to travel using the miles).
Can I still apply for US credit card even if I'm technically NOT RESIDENT and without a VISA ?
Thanks
I have been living in US for 3 years on a J-1 visa and now I'm moving to Australia.
I still have the social security number, but I will no longer have any VISA.
I will keep my US bank account and my two US credit cards.
I will be back at least twice a year and I will be able to have a "billing address"
where they can send Stuff.
I need the credit cards only because of the miles (because I will be in Australia it will be nice to travel using the miles).
Can I still apply for US credit card even if I'm technically NOT RESIDENT and without a VISA ?
Thanks
Aug 24, 2013 | 1:15 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Brooklyn, NY, United States
Programs: AA, BA, UA, Spirit, Delta, PC Plat, SPG Gold, HHonors Diamond, Club Carlson Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,735
I'm afraid no.
Hi
I have been living in US for 3 years on a J-1 visa and now I'm moving to Australia.
I still have the social security number, but I will no longer have any VISA.
I will keep my US bank account and my two US credit cards.
I will be back at least twice a year and I will be able to have a "billing address"
where they can send Stuff.
I need the credit cards only because of the miles (because I will be in Australia it will be nice to travel using the miles).
Can I still apply for US credit card even if I'm technically NOT RESIDENT and without a VISA ?
Thanks
I have been living in US for 3 years on a J-1 visa and now I'm moving to Australia.
I still have the social security number, but I will no longer have any VISA.
I will keep my US bank account and my two US credit cards.
I will be back at least twice a year and I will be able to have a "billing address"
where they can send Stuff.
I need the credit cards only because of the miles (because I will be in Australia it will be nice to travel using the miles).
Can I still apply for US credit card even if I'm technically NOT RESIDENT and without a VISA ?
Thanks
Aug 24, 2013 | 2:18 pm
#6
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: In CT,left my heart in Leicester.
Programs: Work in progress.
Posts: 1,237
At first glance, I thought the obvious answer to that question was "Nope..that's not legal".
But then I pulled up an application to a BoA card
They offer non-resident aliens an oppurtunity to get the card as well.
So surely if OP is getting to hold on to his SSN and will have proof of residence, he'd be able to get a card.
As to what happens if the CC provider demands a 4605-T, I've no idea.
But then I pulled up an application to a BoA card
They offer non-resident aliens an oppurtunity to get the card as well.
So surely if OP is getting to hold on to his SSN and will have proof of residence, he'd be able to get a card.
As to what happens if the CC provider demands a 4605-T, I've no idea.
Aug 25, 2013 | 12:30 am
#7
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Brooklyn, NY, United States
Programs: AA, BA, UA, Spirit, Delta, PC Plat, SPG Gold, HHonors Diamond, Club Carlson Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,735
At first glance, I thought the obvious answer to that question was "Nope..that's not legal".
But then I pulled up an application to a BoA card
They offer non-resident aliens an oppurtunity to get the card as well.
So surely if OP is getting to hold on to his SSN and will have proof of residence, he'd be able to get a card.
As to what happens if the CC provider demands a 4605-T, I've no idea.
But then I pulled up an application to a BoA card
They offer non-resident aliens an oppurtunity to get the card as well.
So surely if OP is getting to hold on to his SSN and will have proof of residence, he'd be able to get a card.
As to what happens if the CC provider demands a 4605-T, I've no idea.
From what I know and remember about those applications that I revisit every 3-4 months (LOL), none of the issuers we love and cherish here would give a card to a non-US legal resident. I have to stipulate this "from what I know" because, yeah, there is a slight chance I've missed something. But I don't think I have.
Aug 25, 2013 | 11:37 am
#8
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 1,179
At first glance, I thought the obvious answer to that question was "Nope..that's not legal".
But then I pulled up an application to a BoA card
They offer non-resident aliens an oppurtunity to get the card as well.
So surely if OP is getting to hold on to his SSN and will have proof of residence, he'd be able to get a card.
As to what happens if the CC provider demands a 4605-T, I've no idea.
But then I pulled up an application to a BoA card
They offer non-resident aliens an oppurtunity to get the card as well.
So surely if OP is getting to hold on to his SSN and will have proof of residence, he'd be able to get a card.
As to what happens if the CC provider demands a 4605-T, I've no idea.
Legally speaking, Resident Alien means Greencard/valid visa.
OP doesn't have a visa any longer.
Aug 25, 2013 | 7:44 pm
#10
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 644
Some applications actually don't ask whether or not you are a resident.
The wording in the application for the BofA card ask for citizenship status.
The answers are usually either 1) U.S. Citizen 2) Resident Alien ( Applies to non-U.S. citizens currently residing in the United States , on a green card or meeting the Substantial Presence Test.
3) Nonresident Alien
A nonresident alien is an alien who has not passed the green card test or the substantial presence test.
The wording in the application for the BofA card ask for citizenship status.
The answers are usually either 1) U.S. Citizen 2) Resident Alien ( Applies to non-U.S. citizens currently residing in the United States , on a green card or meeting the Substantial Presence Test.
3) Nonresident Alien
A nonresident alien is an alien who has not passed the green card test or the substantial presence test.
Aug 25, 2013 | 7:46 pm
#11
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: In CT,left my heart in Leicester.
Programs: Work in progress.
Posts: 1,237
Some applications actually don't ask whether or not you are a resident.
The wording in the application for the BofA card ask for citizenship status.
The answers are usually either 1) U.S. Citizen 2) Resident Alien ( Applies to non-U.S. citizens currently residing in the United States , on a green card or meeting the Substantial Presence Test.
3) Nonresident Alien
A nonresident alien is an alien who has not passed the green card test or the substantial presence test.
The wording in the application for the BofA card ask for citizenship status.
The answers are usually either 1) U.S. Citizen 2) Resident Alien ( Applies to non-U.S. citizens currently residing in the United States , on a green card or meeting the Substantial Presence Test.
3) Nonresident Alien
A nonresident alien is an alien who has not passed the green card test or the substantial presence test.
Aug 29, 2013 | 12:03 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 30,343
Some applications actually don't ask whether or not you are a resident.
The wording in the application for the BofA card ask for citizenship status.
The answers are usually either 1) U.S. Citizen 2) Resident Alien ( Applies to non-U.S. citizens currently residing in the United States , on a green card or meeting the Substantial Presence Test.
3) Nonresident Alien
A nonresident alien is an alien who has not passed the green card test or the substantial presence test.
The wording in the application for the BofA card ask for citizenship status.
The answers are usually either 1) U.S. Citizen 2) Resident Alien ( Applies to non-U.S. citizens currently residing in the United States , on a green card or meeting the Substantial Presence Test.
3) Nonresident Alien
A nonresident alien is an alien who has not passed the green card test or the substantial presence test.
OP is not even that. He does not even have a Visa to legally stay here beyond the Visa-waived period specific to his nationality.
Last edited by Happy; Aug 29, 2013 at 12:09 pm
Aug 29, 2013 | 9:08 pm
#13
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 644
Aug 30, 2013 | 1:14 pm
#14
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinium
Posts: 1,407
Yes you can, as long you have a valid SSN that match your information, you can get a Credit Card. If you never had a CC before, you may got denied with some banks because you don't have a credit history.
The Government will provide you a SSN as long you have VISA/Green Card etc, in case you don't qualify for a SSN, you can get a ITIN number, which is valid when you have to do your taxes (a non-legal resident can get an ITIN number without any problem).
The only limitation is... you can not work with out a work permit (employment authorization card), but for credit cards/bank accounts, you can get most of them without any problem. Even Chase and BoA will open a Checking Account with a valid passport.
The Government will provide you a SSN as long you have VISA/Green Card etc, in case you don't qualify for a SSN, you can get a ITIN number, which is valid when you have to do your taxes (a non-legal resident can get an ITIN number without any problem).
The only limitation is... you can not work with out a work permit (employment authorization card), but for credit cards/bank accounts, you can get most of them without any problem. Even Chase and BoA will open a Checking Account with a valid passport.
Aug 30, 2013 | 2:02 pm
#15
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 170
If you meet substantial presence test based on previous years stay & have US address, you are OK.
I know many Canadians who lived in Canada, have SSN, have a US address before they returned to Canada , met substantial presence test & apply for no foreign exchange fee credit cards and use it in both countries.
I know many Canadians who lived in Canada, have SSN, have a US address before they returned to Canada , met substantial presence test & apply for no foreign exchange fee credit cards and use it in both countries.