Hi, I am canadian citizen working in USA on J1 visa, I have two kids, both living in Canada, but they spent a couple months here staying with me, they don't have SSN here in USA, can I declare them as my dependent? When I tried to declare them as dependents, the software asked me to fill in their SSN, my question is can I still do it even without SSN? I still consider them living with me, cause they do stay with me several months per year here with me in USA.
Thank you very much for your help!
June

On J1 (intern) you are exempt from residency for 2-years. You must file non-resident tax return Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ and Form 8843. Your income is not subject to FICA taxes but you must pay federal and state income taxes. J1 researchers and professors are also exempt from federal income tax.

Yes, Canadian citizen can claim dependents. You will attach W7 (ITIN applications) with your tax return.
Read: Your U.S. Tax Return: U.S. Tax Filing Requirements for Non-Residents