Question about applying for ITIN #

Hi guys,

I'm currently staying in Washington for 2 months or so because I came up here to get my ID & DL

While I was here I opened up a Bank Of America account, with both my state I.D and matricula. A few days ago they sent me a letter asking that I apply for an ITIN # and send it to them promptly.

I don't have a SSN# or anything like that. All I have is my Mexican birth certificate, school records, matricula, and my WA state I.D . Also I don't work so I don't file taxes or anything of that sort, will I still be able to get an ITIN?

I am planning on going down to H&R block to see if I can get this done.
I am also planning on going back home to California next month for school, since I just found out through this forum, that they would allow me to go to college and pay in state tuition there. So I guess MY MAIN QUESTION IS.. does it make a difference if I apply for my ITIN here in Washington, or should I wait to get these things done once I go back home to California?

Does it take long to receive your ITIN# once you've applied for it?

Sorry for all the questions you guys, just want to be sure that applying for my ITIN here in WA wont affect me once I go back home and start school. I don't want to have to pay out of state tuition just because i'm getting things done while im still here in Washington.

Also, other than for filing taxes and opening up a bank account, what other things is an ITIN helpful for? I've heard that you can use your ITIN for renting an apartment, or starting up utility bills in your home. Is this true? Sorry i'm a bit clueless.

Many thanks in advance!

I think you used to be able to just apply for an ITIN and get one, but they recently changed the process because I'm assuming too many people were getting them to use in place of a SSN.

Now I think you can only get an ITIN if you have worked and you're filing your taxes for the first time.

If I were you, I'd wait to get an ITIN. If you've already opened your account, what is BoA going to do if you don't get one right away? Close your account?

Still, if you were able to get one now, in WA, then I guess you could do it. Your school is CA will only care about having a long-term address in CA that you have lived at for their records to prove in-state residency.

Just don't ever mention your WA address to the admissions or registrar departments and and they'll never know. If they ask, say that you don't have a driver license; don't show them your WA one or they might get suspicious. Only show your WA ID to departments or people who would otherwise not care if you are an in-state or out-of-state student.