I need to apply for a itin for my wife, h4 visa holder, to claim her as my dependent/spouse and file a join tax return.

However, according to the IRS I need a certified/notarized copy of her passport. Does this mean only the front page passport (name, picture, etc) or also the u.s. visa page?

Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that I need to prepare my taxes as I have done in the past, leave the spouse ssn blank, and then file my tax return together with the w-7 and the notarized copy of her passport to the address indicated in the w-7 form. Am I missing something??

Just want to make sure I don't make any mistakes and end up paying it down the road.

Thanks for your help...

The ITIN Operation wants to know three things about an applicant:
1. Who you are
2. Your nationality
3. Why you require an ITIN

Your wife's front passport page satisfies the first 2 requirements and your tax return satisfies the third