Free to work After EAD?

[rsa1205 0]

My wife is going in for biometrics tomorrow, meaning her EAD should go through soon (hopefully). She already has a SS# and card, but it does state "not valid for work". After she receives her EAD, is she free to work wherever she wants, or will she have to go to the social security office and be issued a new card?

[canadian_wife 1,791]

Until she has her green card or her US citizenship, she needs that "not valid without DHS authorization". Her EAD is that authorization so no need to march back to the SSA until her green card arrives.

She cannot work for any job that requires a green card or US citizenship in the requirements, but other than that yes, she can work anywhere

good luck

[rsa1205 0]

Well, it's probably the same thing, but hers does not say "not valid without DHS authorization"...it just states "not valid for work". She has had that card for more than 12 years, so I'm assuming it's the same?

[GDHB 3]

Well, it's probably the same thing, but hers does not say "not valid without DHS authorization"...it just states "not valid for work". She has had that card for more than 12 years, so I'm assuming it's the same?

I've had my original SS card with "Valid for work with INS authorization" for 15 years. When an employer completes a W-9 they need proof of authorization - if you have that proof it doesn't matter what your SS card says.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,235]

There are 3 different kinds of SSN cards:

1) Those that state: Not valid for employment

2) Those that state: Valid only with DHS authorization

3) Those that have no restriction

I had type 1 until I became a US citizen and changed my name. Only then I needed to the SSA, because in order to get a new driver license in my new name, I had to update my SSA records first.

When seeking employment, an I-9 form has to be submitted. That's the law. On it the newly hired employee has to state who he or she is and that he or she is authorized to work in the United States.

There are certain documents that have to be shown in order to document the claims. Those documents are in 3 lists: List A, List B, and List C. Either the newly hired employee submits one document from List A, or he has to submit one from List B and one from List C.

List A is basically a US passport, so that doesn't apply to you.

List B would be a state-issued driver's license, and List C would be a SSN card that is unrestricted. Once you have a Green Card, you can go to the SSA and get an unrestricted card. This way, you never need to show your Green Card when applying for a job. Or . . . you don't really need a new SSN card, but show your Green Card when applying for a job. So if your SSN cards states that you need authorization of the DHS, that's what your Green Card is. Both ways are viable, and the choice is up to you.

But, since your SSN card reads "Not valid for employment," you should get a new card anyway.

Edited May 16, 2011 by Just Bob