Accepting employment offer?

[vwatts 0]

Hello, I have a quick question for any of you who might know more. Am I allowed to sign an employment offer before I get the visa/green card? I have been offered employment in the US but am not sure if I may sign the agreement before I get my visa. I am afraid it's illegal. Or is it just illegal to physically work in the US before GC? Please help! The employer needs my signature ASAP. My interview is next week.

[Mononoke28 135]

You should discuss it with their HR department and see what they say. I think that as long as they don't show you working before you get your green card and SS#, you should be ok.

[pushbrk 12,824]

You should discuss it with their HR department and see what they say. I think that as long as they don't show you working before you get your green card and SS#, you should be ok.

I agree. It is the employer's responsibility to make sure you are legal to protect them. As long as they understand you will also protect yourself by not beginning your employment until it is legal, there is no reason not to sign. I would, however expect the contract has a contingency clause that addresses the need for legal status to work. If not, you may wish to ask them to add one. It's only a big deal if there's a chance they'll sue you for not showing up to work by a certain date.

[vwatts 0]

I'm still in my home country, and so I can't work yet. However, I'd like to sign to make it official. I agree, there should be a clause that states I'll start the employment after receiving the Green Card. (i.e. after arrival)

[vwatts 0]

Anybody else? If the offer says "I am pleased to offer you a position with our company as ........ ........ ........ beginning Jul 1, 2007 or as soon as possible thereafter, depending on when you receive your immigrant visa to the USA".

Is that wording sufficient?? If we sign that, will I be okay if I show it at interview? Note that I do DCF.

[pushbrk 12,824]

Anybody else? If the offer says "I am pleased to offer you a position with our company as ........ ........ ........ beginning Jul 1, 2007 or as soon as possible thereafter, depending on when you receive your immigrant visa to the USA".

Is that wording sufficient?? If we sign that, will I be okay if I show it at interview? Note that I do DCF.

I think it is in general but it does require you to travel promptly and start work virtually immediately. If you're comfortable there is sufficient flexibility, go for it. I would be more comfortable if it said receive...and arrive in the USA. Your arrival with an immigrant visa is what gives you the authorization to work. You don't have to wait for the green card.