I recently was told by a bank representitive that they could open an account for me using a w-8 form.



This is a form for a non-resident alien with respect to the U.S. jurisdiction. No SSN is needed, and in fact if you have a SSN, you cannot use this form legally.



I did a little research and it looks like this is the way to go. I can also file a w-8 with my employer... non-resident aliens are not subject to taxes except when doing business inside the U.S. jurisdiction.



Has anyone had experience with filing w-8's or no more information as to why I would or would not use it.