I am a non-US resident currently in California on a tourism visa to start a C-Corp. I need to apply for an EIN for the company.

Here is the problem: my incorporation agent (a pretty large and well-known one) has told me that since I don't have a SSN or an ITIN, the EIN will be obtained from the IRS' international department and it will make my c-corp a "foreign entity" which will be disqualified from doing business or hiring in the US.

Is that true? This is contrary to my belief. I thought the corp incorporated in CA is always a US entity able to do business in the US regardless where the owner is.

Are there some boxes in the SS-4 form that may make that difference (so that I must avoid)? I need to hire employees in the US in the future, so I can't make any mistake on this.

Thank you.