When can I start working?

[sachinky 465]

Guys--I have a question, if y'all could help me out.

I should have my unrestricted SSN by this week-end (Applied for it to be updated on 6/4. They said it'll be in the mail within 14 days). However, there's still no sign of a 'Welcome Letter' (USCIS told me to call them back if 30 days since POE had passed) or a GC. I entered through Chicago on 5/20.

I have several job interviews lined up over the next two weeks. Assuming everything goes well and I get hired, when can I start working? What documents will be enough to prove work authorization? Can I start working with the SS card and the stamp in my passport?

[Darnell 8,479]

you can start working almost immediately - almost.

Take that passport out, recheck the stamps you got on the POE date - tell us what those stamps say ?

(I want you to dig for those, personally, as a part of the answer is there, and I want you to see it, that you CARRY IT in the passport, already)

and

you already have a SSN number

and

you'll pass all with any I-9 form, for any firm using e-verify, already.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

There is no such thing as a restricted or unrestricted SSN. The number of a tourist or child or US citizen all have the same format and never change. The SS Administration also has nothing to do with permits to work. The SSN is basically just a confirmation that somebody is in the system.

In order to start working you need either an EAD or the 551, in which form whatsoever.

[sachinky 465]

I have the usual admission stamp with CR-1, May 19, 2012 handwritten on it. Below it, is a thick three line stamp in red, so blurred that I can't read beyond the first line. Says something like--"Alien has been notified of the ... of Section 216 and of the ... for having the..."

Is that the I-551?

And I also have one regular admission stamp.

My passport, visa and SSN should be adequate, then -- I looked over the I-9 form and looks like that'll be enough.

[milimelo 4,554]

I have the usual admission stamp with CR-1, May 19, 2012 handwritten on it. Below it, is a thick three line stamp in red, so blurred that I can't read beyond the first line. Says something like--"Alien has been notified of the ... of Section 216 and of the ... for having the..."

Is that the I-551?

And I also have one regular admission stamp.

My passport, visa and SSN should be adequate, then -- I looked over the I-9 form and looks like that'll be enough.

It is enough. Your visa also has in the notes section: upon approval serves as temporary I-551 - there's your temp GC. If you can get a DL right away (or ID) you can use that and SSN for proof of employment - no need to even show GC or visa.

[sachinky 465]

Thankyou for your replies.