Waiting for GC ...In the meantime.

[Samantha78 117]

So, he arrived on Saturday. My mind is not 100% yet to do all of the research about the GC ordeal so I'm taking the easy way out and looking for a short and sweet answers to my questions.

GC should arrive within a few weeks?

He can apply for SS without GC?

Does he need GC to apply for license?

Is the stamp in his passport sufficient enough for him to work or does he need to wait for GC?

Can I check status of GC production on USCIS site with initial EAC receipt #?

Thanks in advance. In the future I will look up all of this

Edited February 21, 2012 by sam&jensi

[jaycali 415]

The stamp in his passport acts as a temporary, but fully legal GC. I'm not sure if the DMV or Social Security Administration will see it that way, but legally, there is nothing stopping him from getting a job.

[noelle&david 0]

Hello!

I have the same questions, particularly concerning how long it will take to receive the Green Card after David arrives in the US and if he has to wait to have the physical paperwork before working. Also, what are the rules about leaving the country, before receiving the green card and after? I know you're not supposed to leave for over 6 months at a time if I remember correctly, but what about a quick week or less trip?

Thanks!

[Samantha78 117]

Hello!

I have the same questions, particularly concerning how long it will take to receive the Green Card after David arrives in the US and if he has to wait to have the physical paperwork before working. Also, what are the rules about leaving the country, before receiving the green card and after? I know you're not supposed to leave for over 6 months at a time if I remember correctly, but what about a quick week or less trip?

Thanks!

AS far as leaving, he can come and go as he chooses with his passport because it is stamped....I know that much. But of course it would be better to wait for the GC, as we know how from many horror stories what can happen. He does not have to wait any period of time to travel. And he can stay for an unlimited amount of time. The only problem is if he spends more time out of the country than in. When the time comes to remove conditions he will have issues as to why he's been out of the country for more of that time. but for quick trips its not a problem at all.

The stamp in his passport acts as a temporary, but fully legal GC. I'm not sure if the DMV or Social Security Administration will see it that way, but legally, there is nothing stopping him from getting a job.

Great thanks. I was so caught up on the visa stuff and POE that I never did all my research on GC.

Edited February 21, 2012 by sam&jensi

[MrTee12 64]

So, he arrived on Saturday. My mind is not 100% yet to do all of the research about the GC ordeal so I'm taking the easy way out and looking for a short and sweet answers to my questions.

GC should arrive within a few weeks?

Can take from 2-4 weeks to arrive.

He can apply for SS without GC?

Yes, but he must have the following:

To apply for an original card, you must provide at least two documents to prove age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or current lawful, work-authorized immigration status. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have DHS work authorization, you must prove that you have a valid non-work reason for requesting a card. See page 2 for an explanation of acceptable documents.

Does he need GC to apply for license?

It depends what state you live in. The laws are different in every state.

Is the stamp in his passport sufficient enough for him to work or does he need to wait for GC?

Yes, it should be. If he was already approved for Work Authorization and/or Green Card. The stamp (I-551) proves he is valid until the physical copy arrives in the mail.

Can I check status of GC production on USCIS site with initial EAC receipt #?

You can check with the number that printed on your hard copy of your NOA1. Also, if you completed G-1145 form, you will be updated through text message and/or email (depending on which one you chose).

Thanks in advance. In the future I will look up all of this

[Ryan H 3,810]

Does he need GC to apply for license?

He might, depends on whether or not your states licensing department has kept up with current CBP practices in regards to temporary green cards.

Is the stamp in his passport sufficient enough for him to work or does he need to wait for GC?

You can correct me if I'm wrong, but the stamp in his passport is probably a CBP admission stamp with the visa type and A# handwritten in. There should be a phrase at the bottom of the visa itself that says "Upon Endorsement, serves as Temporary I-551, Valid for 1 Year." The "endorsement" is the admission stamp which therefore makes the visa together with the admission stamp the temporary GC. The temporary GC allows him to work, however, he will need an SSN.

[Samantha78 117]

Thanks to everyone that responded.

He actually went to apply for his SS card yesterday but was told that, since he had been here for less than 10 days, they would accept the application but not be able to process it until that 10 days was up. And they mentioned his full name needs to be on the mailbox or they will not leave the card.

He also went to the DMV (Massachusetts). He can get his license without GC, just passport and stamp.