Working in the US before getting SS#?

[hollyw 0]

My husband arrived last week with a CR-1 visa and he was told at the airport in Immigration that he would be able to work with the number that was given to him there, an AF number (I think.. I don't have his passport in front of me). I was under the impression that he had to wait until he had his SS# before applying for any jobs.

Does anyone know anything about this or have any experience with this?

Thanks

[YuAndDan 153]

You should be able to apply for SS number The I-551 stamp in passport or green card, shows the officer at the SSA office that you are authorized. It only takes a few days to get the card.

All employers by law require you to furnish the Green card, or passport showing the I-551 stamp, and SS card for the SS number XXX-XX-XXXX not the A number.

[tom&tata 2]

Under the endorsed CR-1 visa, your spouse would be employment authorized - so he can start looking for job. But, once he got a job, he would need to fill out the form that would ask his A# and his SS#

[I'm Gone 60]

My husband arrived last week with a CR-1 visa and he was told at the airport in Immigration that he would be able to work with the number that was given to him there, an AF number (I think.. I don't have his passport in front of me). I was under the impression that he had to wait until he had his SS# before applying for any jobs.

Not sure what number he was given at the airport, but it doesn't take the place of an SSN. Now did he check off on the DS-239 that he wants an SSN? If he did he may receive an SSN card without applying at an SSA office.

The Machine Readable Immigrant Visa with the I-551 langauge is his work authorization document until his I-551 card is received.