New to the US

[nitro 1]

hi!! Hope you all are doing well. I have just entered the US last week on an IR1 visa..and I just have a few questions. I would really appreciate your help.

1. I am going to the SS Office on Monday to apply for my card, so whats the next step?

2. I want to start applying for jobs and just wanted to know what I will need to have to be legally eligilbe? do i need a work permit or my visa will suffice?

3. Also I paid my greencard fee in early January and it is not updated on the site and im just wondering when to expect the actual card and how to check if its even in process.. i paid by credit card and the charge has come up.

sorry im just really overwhelmed and confused by all of this.. i want to get settled as soon as possible and start my life here

again thanks for your help!

Regards.

[lost_at_sea 995]

1. If you checked the box on the visa application forms that you want an SSN, one may already be in the mail to you. If it hasn't shown up in another couple of weeks, then go to the SSA (or if you didn't request one on the form, do it now).

2. Your stamped visa acts as a 1 year green card and can be used to show your eligibility to work. You don't need an additional work permit or anything.

3. Keep an eye on ELIS (the system where you paid your IV $165 fee). Once that changes to "Optimized" it means your card is on the way. You can also use the receipt number from that system (I think it begins IOE - followed by 10 or so numbers) in the USCIS case status tracker. Green cards take 1 - 3 months to show up in the mail after you've entered the USA.

[nitro 1]

thanks!