H1B approved! Now what?

[TinkerBelle81 0]

Hi! My H1B application just got approved and I got an email of the i-797A form. I know that I need to apply for a social security number ASAP. Do I need to bring the original i-797A at the social security office? I only have a copy via email.

After I get a social security number, does that mean that I can already start to work?

[rahulv 4]

Hi! My H1B application just got approved and I got an email of the i-797A form. I know that I need to apply for a social security number ASAP. Do I need to bring the original i-797A at the social security office? I only have a copy via email.

After I get a social security number, does that mean that I can already start to work?

Congratulations for getting your H1B approved. Now H1B is not like EAD or other work permits. H1B has to be sponsored by some company for you. That company should also has your original 797A form (you can always get it from them and actually they would give it to you). I am not sure but my best guess is that you would need the original document at the SSN office to get the Social Security Number.

Now once you get your SSN you can start to work (but not for any company). You can only work for the company who sponsored your H1B.

Your 797A form comes with an I-94 attached to it, you can stay in the country till the expiration date of that I-94 form. But if you decide to go outside USA, then before entering the US you must go back to your own country (passport country) and get H1B visa stamped on your passport.

Also H1B is only for 3 + 3 years, so after 3 years your sponsoring company would have to get it renewed.

[hindocha 0]

congrats

[Darnell 8,479]

TinkerBelle - contact the HR contact at your sponsering company, they should be able to assist you.