This quote is from another thread- I just wonder if this is really true? My husband has a potential job offer pending his social security number and he works in a very limited field in this area. We didn't think he could actually start working until he had the number, but he does have the letter stating it was applied for.

In fact my husband show his employer said letter and was fine...but I guess it all depends on the employer and their policy...now that he got his number he updated the records and all seems to be working well...good luck...
Dorothy

you can have a SSN but that does not mean you can work. It is illegal to work without your EAD and if you do you can expect to be deported. You must wait to get your EAD card in your hand and then you can work....not before.

If you look at the OP's signature, you will see that they have already received their EAD. In any case, I seriously doubt you would be deported for working without it, though it is technically illegal. USCIS seems to be rather forgiving of these things for spouse's of US citizens.

He has the work authorization- we are now waiting on the social security number. Our local office told him 4- 6 weeks. Um, I don't think so. Thanks for the input.

Oh sorry I didn't read far enough. I think you need an actual number, I got mine in a week, way before I got my EAD....4-6 weeks seems like a long time.

ya, i have my ead too but i'm waiting on a ssn and they told me about 4-8 weeks. I never did get a letter though. Maybe I need to head back there.