Received Welcome Notice, Have Visa Sticker

[ziggyboo 0]

So I'm unclear on whether or not I can use my IR1 Visa sticker in my passport (plus the welcome notice) to get my social security card so I can work. Or do I have to wait until the actual greencard itself shows up? I have a letter that was given to me with the packet I turned in at the POE about my ss card that says if it doesn't show within 3 weeks of entry, to go to the office... it'll be 3 weeks this Friday. Help? I just want to be able to get a job, I haven't worked in ages and I feel like a bum! D:

[Chica Yeyé 41]

It took mine about 2 months or so --- it will get there

You can just go get your SSN and with the visa in the passport go to work - that's what I did -and then present the greencard to my supervisor once I got it.

[ziggyboo 0]

Thank you! The people at the local office seemed very confused and unsure what to make of it when I showed them the passport sticker and explained that I was still waiting on the physical card. And then they told me I wasn't a permanent resident! This has been ridiculously frustrating and I hope the third time I go there, whoever I get at the window will actually know what they're doing! Sometimes I wonder how some of the people around here ever got their jobs in the first place.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Thank you! The people at the local office seemed very confused and unsure what to make of it when I showed them the passport sticker and explained that I was still waiting on the physical card. And then they told me I wasn't a permanent resident! This has been ridiculously frustrating and I hope the third time I go there, whoever I get at the window will actually know what they're doing! Sometimes I wonder how some of the people around here ever got their jobs in the first place.

Go again, and bring your welcome notice as well.

[YuAndDan 153]

Thank you! The people at the local office seemed very confused and unsure what to make of it when I showed them the passport sticker and explained that I was still waiting on the physical card. And then they told me I wasn't a permanent resident! This has been ridiculously frustrating and I hope the third time I go there, whoever I get at the window will actually know what they're doing! Sometimes I wonder how some of the people around here ever got their jobs in the first place.

Yep the people at SSA tend to not be the brightest bulbs in the carton. Yes I-551 stamp = GREEN-CARD and should get you the SSN.

One note, wait at least 2 weeks after entering the USA, it can take that long for USCIS to update your immigrations status on the database that SSA uses to confirm your immigrations status.