Working Once Moved

[The Northerner 0]

I have received my visa and I am able to enter the States now, declare my intention to immigrate and finalize my permanent residence status. When we were applying we asked that I be issued an SSN at the time I am issued my green card. I work for Starbucks in Canada and I am able to transfer with the company to a store in the States. My question is, do I have to wait up to 3 weeks (green card process time) to work or can I begin work before my SSN is issued? Thanks for any assistance.

[misshepburn 52]

@The Northerner I believe it depends on your company. Since Starbucks is a multinational, it might be easier to work something out. While your green card proves your status as able to work in the US, the SSN is what you employer needs in order to pay you. I would contact Starbucks, explain the situation and see what they say. 

 

Perhaps you could start work right away and just delay your first paycheck until after your SSN is issued? Starbucks may have another solution! I would ask them.

[lucasmso 11]

35 minutes ago, Dee elle said:

As you are on IR1 you will be a LPR immediately on entrance at POE and the stamped visa in your passport is your temporay Green Card. . You have immediate authorization to work and it is not dependant on the employer to do anything for you....The forms your employer needs you to fill out will include one which requires your SSN, or at least that you have applied for it.. Dont trust that one will come in the mail for you,.... about 10 days after arriving go to the local SS office and apply...

So basically you are saying that we are allowed to work without a SSN?

[AstroCanada 206]

Our SSN came shockingly quickly.  Exactly 7 days after POE.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Progress Reports to Working & Traveling During US Immigration.

[lucasmso 11]

3 hours ago, Dee elle said:

No, not exactly... as previously stated you are authorized to work immediately because of the stamped visa in  your passport  but your employer needs your SSN or proof that you have applied for on before they can complete their documentation and pay you.

The employers should be able to  accept proof that you have applied for a SSN... and then you give them the number as soon as the card is received.... so you must go to the SS office, apply for the SSN, and take a letter / proof of application from the SSOffice  that your application is in  process to your employer... then give them the number as soon as the card arrives...

Do you know anyone who did that before?

[BethyWink 96]

I think legally you are allowed to work without a SSN since you do not really need one to be a UsC, but it is harder and not worth the hassle.   (I think you do not qualify for SS benefits when you are older too)  but I would ask Starbucks, to see what they think.  3 weeks is not THAT long to wait if you need to, its better than the 3ish months it might take to get a new job!  Also, I heard Starbucks is a great company to work for PT and FT, in their stores, and the Corporate office (I am located in seattle) has NO turnover!  Its next to impossible to get a job in their corporate office because of it!