Wife got her visa... Can she work when she comes over now?

[sjr09 155]

My wife will be finally arriving on Tuesday on her IR-1 visa. When can she work, legally? Can she start immediately, or does she have to wait for the green card to come in the mail?

Didn't find the answer in the FAQ section...

Thanks in advance for your answers.

If she needs a SSN card ASAP, go down to your local SSA office when she arrives and apply instead of waiting, make sure you have her passport and BC. Takes about 10 days to receive in the mail.

[WhidbeyGirl 1]

She will need a SSN before she can start working, though.

NOPE, you can work without it. Check out the instruction of the I-9, only have to have a foreign passport with the temporary I-551 stamp.

[meowmeowmeow 1]

i am curious actually by this too: could a foreign spouse hypothetically apply over the internet, seeing as SSA has a website? or do they need to appear in person to prove they are who they are, etc/

[Der Bücherwurm 1]

CR1 = Less than two years of marriage, requires removal of conditions, 2 year green card

Am I correct in assuming that one removes conditions 2 years after arriving stateside? How does one go about removing conditions? Do they send you something when the greencard is about to expire or do we have to keep track and make an appt. at the local USCIS office?

[txladykat 1]

i am curious actually by this too: could a foreign spouse hypothetically apply over the internet, seeing as SSA has a website? or do they need to appear in person to prove they are who they are, etc/

I know for a replacement card you can do it via mail (not over the internet), but that requires you to mail your original documents. always risky in my opinion as the postal service often loses things.

BTW, for those of you going down and applying in person, after applying if you return the next day they will give you a printout telling you what your SSN so you have this while you wait for the actual card to come in the mail.

While it is true that you can work immediately upon entering with the stamp, most employers still won't hire you or put you on payroll without a SSN because they have to report your wages and pay taxes and the only way to do it is with a SSN.

We waited 3 weeks after entry and my husband didn't receive his (yes we checked the box asking for it) so we went down in person. They had no record of an application for him, so we applied on the spot, came back the next day and got his number so he could start working, and the card followed 2 weeks later. While he was authorized to work with the I551 stamp, his employer wouldn't let him start without the SSN

[CasandraYounes 0]

I am glad that this question was asked because being that my husband just came on Saturday, I was just about to ask. Thanks for the advice.

[pushbrk 12,910]

i am curious actually by this too: could a foreign spouse hypothetically apply over the internet, seeing as SSA has a website? or do they need to appear in person to prove they are who they are, etc/

The resident status that qualifies the immigrant spouse for an SSN doesn't become effective until they enter the USA.

[sjr09 155]

She will need a SSN before she can start working, though.

NOPE, you can work without it. Check out the instruction of the I-9, only have to have a foreign passport with the temporary I-551 stamp.

No you need a SSN number

[sjr09 155]

CR1 = Less than two years of marriage, requires removal of conditions, 2 year green card

Am I correct in assuming that one removes conditions 2 years after arriving stateside? How does one go about removing conditions? Do they send you something when the greencard is about to expire or do we have to keep track and make an appt. at the local USCIS office?

At the time you obtain conditional resident status through admission to the United States with an immigrant visa or through adjustment of status, the USCIS will notify you of the conditional basis of your status, the requirements for removal of the conditions and what will happen if you fail to file a petition to remove the conditions.

The USCIS does not send a second reminder to conditional residents to petition for removal of conditions. During the 90 days before the second anniversary of the date you obtained conditional resident status you and your spouse (if still married) must file to remove the condition

[sjr09 155]

i am curious actually by this too: could a foreign spouse hypothetically apply over the internet, seeing as SSA has a website? or do they need to appear in person to prove they are who they are, etc/

The resident status that qualifies the immigrant spouse for an SSN doesn't become effective until they enter the USA.

Social Security will ask to see a current DHS document. Acceptable documents include:

Form I-551 (includes machine-readable immigrant visa with your unexpired foreign passport);

I-94 with your unexpired foreign passport; or

Work permit card from the Department of Homeland Security (I-766 or I-688B).

We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use a DHS work permit as proof of both work eligibility and identity. However, you must provide at least two separate documents.

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.We also cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.

[hellINTIM 9]

My wife will be finally arriving on Tuesday on her IR-1 visa. When can she work, legally? Can she start immediately, or does she have to wait for the green card to come in the mail?

Didn't find the answer in the FAQ section...

Thanks in advance for your answers.

well she can get her ssnumber immediately .. go apply for it in ss admin processing takes 3- 10 days (i got mine 3 days and then card after 2 days) . welcome notes take 2-3 weeks and then after few days green card..

but little advicew give her a break first, adopt the environtment , little adjust in weather and maybe in food also and few weeks go work ....

[hellINTIM 9]

bigangrytexan, just curious: how did your wife get an IR-1 visa? i thought you had to be married for more than 2 years to get that? is there a loophole that i'm not aware of?

He most likely meant CR1. There is no loophole.

I meant CR-1 in that case. I've never really understood the difference. We did not exploit any loophole that I am aware of.

CR1 --married for less than 2 years

IR1 -- married more than 2 years and i heard they already citizen thingy im not sure....

[ashlesha 0]

My wife will be finally arriving on Tuesday on her IR-1 visa. When can she work, legally? Can she start immediately, or does she have to wait for the green card to come in the mail?

Didn't find the answer in the FAQ section...

Thanks in advance for your answers.

Dang that was quick. You filed 130 on 09/02 and you already have a CR1 and to top things off you are already thinking about getting your SO employed.... Can everyone here borrow that magic wand??

[hellINTIM 9]

My wife will be finally arriving on Tuesday on her IR-1 visa. When can she work, legally? Can she start immediately, or does she have to wait for the green card to come in the mail?

Didn't find the answer in the FAQ section...

Thanks in advance for your answers.

Dang that was quick. You filed 130 on 09/02 and you already have a CR1 and to top things off you are already thinking about getting your SO employed.... Can everyone here borrow that magic wand??

lol 09-02-2008 -.- its 2009 nov now that is 1 year 2 months already

[ashlesha 0]

My wife will be finally arriving on Tuesday on her IR-1 visa. When can she work, legally? Can she start immediately, or does she have to wait for the green card to come in the mail?

Didn't find the answer in the FAQ section...

Thanks in advance for your answers.

Dang that was quick. You filed 130 on 09/02 and you already have a CR1 and to top things off you are already thinking about getting your SO employed.... Can everyone here borrow that magic wand??

lol 09-02-2008 -.- its 2009 nov now that is 1 year 2 months already

My bad...In that case keep that magic wand with you ..