Didn't a couple of months ago. I opened a personal account at Vhasr whilst I was in SF. needed my drivers license and passport (both Australian issued). Didn't need anything else.

*At Chase (bloody auto correct)

You don't - there are a large number of people legally resident in the US who are not eligible for social security numbers (ie, they don't have work authorisation), and who still require bank accounts. I am in the fortunate position of retaining an account at my alma matter's credit union, which has definitely proved useful for services that require US accounts.

You can open it as a tourist. There are lots of wealthy foreigners (and many of the corrupt) that have their money in us accounts