Social Security and Right to Work?

[micmac 6]

Hello

I have not yet received my social security card, but when I applied for it last week the officer said that I had been granted authorisation to work and all I needed to do was show my SS card and my Visa when starting a job. So he crossed the legal alien allowed to work box on the form, and said all was well. That contradicts some stuff I read on here about EAD and stuff.

We haven't filed for AOS yet, but the SS card is in my married name (K1 visa)

Does anyone have any similar experience on this?

[Anh map 2,098]

Social Security Admin does not authorize persons for work. The officer was mistaken. You need the EAD or green card to be working legally.

[micmac 6]

So even though my card will say I am authorised, it will be illegal?

[Moomin 292]

Most likely, when you get your card in the mail, it will say "valid for work only with DHS authorization" anyways. If not, you still know the law so go by that one since - as Anh map suggests - SSA are not the ones to allow people to work or not.

[Dave&Roza 748]

Please check the I-9 form that employers are responsible to fill out when hiring you. There is the answer to your question. IF your SSC does not have the statement "Valid for work with DHS authorization Only" then you can use your SSC as one of those documents. IF it does have that statement then you need to show your DHS authorization in order to work--i.e. EAD card or GC. As stated about, SSA does not grant authorization to work. What they do do is recognize that you are authorized to work and thus are eligible for a SSC under the SSA rules, but SSA rules do not carry over to USCIS or DHS. Two seperate government agencies. SO the SSA employee what "correct" in that you are authorized to work per SSA rules, however; you cannot legally work until the USCIS (DHS) grants you work authorization --EAD or GC.

Dave

[Anh map 2,098]

So even though my card will say I am authorised, it will be illegal?

Your social security card does not authorize you to work. And your card will not have anything printed on it that states you are authorized to work.

A work authorized visa, EAD, or green card enables a person to work legally in the US.

A K1 visa does not authorize you to work. That loophole was closed a while ago.

[micmac 6]

Your social security card does not authorize you to work. And your card will not have anything printed on it that states you are authorized to work.

A work authorized visa, EAD, or green card enables a person to work legally in the US.

A K1 visa does not authorize you to work. That loophole was closed a while ago.

I am only going by what I was told about the card. But the Social security website itself has this http://www.ssa.gov/immigration/visa.htm so there is bound to be confusion on their part.

Please check the I-9 form that employers are responsible to fill out when hiring you. There is the answer to your question. IF your SSC does not have the statement "Valid for work with DHS authorization Only" then you can use your SSC as one of those documents. IF it does have that statement then you need to show your DHS authorization in order to work--i.e. EAD card or GC. As stated about, SSA does not grant authorization to work. What they do do is recognize that you are authorized to work and thus are eligible for a SSC under the SSA rules, but SSA rules do not carry over to USCIS or DHS. Two seperate government agencies. SO the SSA employee what "correct" in that you are authorized to work per SSA rules, however; you cannot legally work until the USCIS (DHS) grants you work authorization --EAD or GC.

Dave

Thank you, this explains a lot!

[A + M 29]

You need the EAD or green card to be working legally.

Yup!

[GnBnL 50]

I have a SS card from a previous visa (F-1) so I never got a new one when i came here on K-1. That's ok right? Do you get another later that does not say "with DHS auth"? Sorry, I just didn't want to start a new post since this was related

[Moomin 292]

I have a SS card from a previous visa (F-1) so I never got a new one when i came here on K-1. That's ok right? Do you get another later that does not say "with DHS auth"? Sorry, I just didn't want to start a new post since this was related

It says on the back of the little piece of paper that came with the ssn card in the mail: "You should contact us to update your social security number and benefit record(if you are entitled) if your name, your US citizen status or your status as an alien in the US changes. You will need to file an application for a replacement social security card and provide proof of your identity and we may request other evidence supporting the change"

I remember being allowed to file to a replacement 3 times a year but limited to 10 times in my life so in case you're wondering it's free of charge to apply for a new with updated information.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

It says on the back of the little piece of paper that came with the ssn card in the mail: "You should contact us to update your social security number and benefit record(if you are entitled) if your name, your US citizen status or your status as an alien in the US changes. You will need to file an application for a replacement social security card and provide proof of your identity and we may request other evidence supporting the change"

I remember being allowed to file to a replacement 3 times a year but limited to 10 times in my life so in case you're wondering it's free of charge to apply for a new with updated information.

It doesn't count against you to update name and resident status.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Hello

I have not yet received my social security card, but when I applied for it last week the officer said that I had been granted authorisation to work and all I needed to do was show my SS card and my Visa when starting a job. So he crossed the legal alien allowed to work box on the form, and said all was well. That contradicts some stuff I read on here about EAD and stuff.

We haven't filed for AOS yet, but the SS card is in my married name (K1 visa)

Does anyone have any similar experience on this?

You are work authorized for SSA purposes. Meaning that as a K1 you are eligible for an EAD (prior to AOS) and thus are permitted to obtain a SSN. You are "work eligible" in that you are eligible to apply for work permission from USCIS (which is why it will say "valid with DHS authorization" on it.

[Helen Louise Pile 80]

The social security officer said the same thing to me...when I corrected her she didn't want to hear it.

You know the rules, don't let this person confuse you.

I have found that many officials (SS office, law enforcement) do not know the details of a K1 visa and the AOS process. It just means you have to know it and make sure you know what you are and are not allowed to do.

Helen

Edited November 10, 2011 by Helen Louise Pile

[Joandjo 20]

Hello

I have not yet received my social security card, but when I applied for it last week the officer said that I had been granted authorisation to work and all I needed to do was show my SS card and my Visa when starting a job. So he crossed the legal alien allowed to work box on the form, and said all was well. That contradicts some stuff I read on here about EAD and stuff.

We haven't filed for AOS yet, but the SS card is in my married name (K1 visa)

Does anyone have any similar experience on this?

He checked the correct box. K1 Visa is classified as Legal Alien allowed to work. He was NOT mistaken. The information you read regarding getting the Social security card on this site can be misleading.

[Joandjo 20]

The social security officer said the same thing to me...when I corrected her she didn't want to hear it.

You know the rules, don't let this person confuse you.

I have found that many officials (SS office, law enforcement) do not know the details of a K1 visa and the AOS process. It just means you have to know it and make sure you know what you are and are not allowed to do.

Helen

Why do you think they are wrong! I don't understand this resistance to the fact that a K1 Visa can work up to the 90 days allowed. This is absolutley correct.