Tax reporting documents, such as the W-2 and 1042-S, cannot be issued without a personal identifying number. In most cases, that number is an SSN or ITIN. 

In the absence of an ITIN or SSN, Harvard may assign a "placeholder”, which will be listed in the field for a SSN or ITIN on your W-2 or 1042-S.

DO NOT use this number in lieu of an ITIN or SSN when completing your tax filing. If you did not personally apply for an SSN or ITIN, you DO NOT have one. An SSN or ITIN number is not issued to you unless you actually apply for one. Once a number has been issued to you, you must report the number to the Office of the Controller.

NEVER email your SSN or ITIN.