Can I sign W-2/I-9 forms before entering US borders with my CR1 visa?

[GuyZys 0]

Hi,

I'm receiving a CR1 visa, and I know that before entering the U.S with it, I don't actually have a Green Card/permanent resident status.

My question is - given that there's a U.S company that wishes to employ me, can I sign an employment agreement and tax/immigration related forms - W-2 and I-9, before I arrive to the U.S (but when I already have the visa at hand).

Thanks,

Guy

[Darnell 8,479]

your status as a permanent resident isn't activated until you cross into the USA.

So, I suggest NOT, at the moment.

Lets see what others can chime in, aye?

[Ryan H 3,834]

Hi,

I'm receiving a CR1 visa, and I know that before entering the U.S with it, I don't actually have a Green Card/permanent resident status.

My question is - given that there's a U.S company that wishes to employ me, can I sign an employment agreement and tax/immigration related forms - W-2 and I-9, before I arrive to the U.S (but when I already have the visa at hand).

Thanks,

Guy

Two things:

First, in answer to your question, I would agree with Darnell that you would not be able to sign immigration or tax forms until your status as an LPR is activated.

Second, the tax form you sign at the start of employment is a W-4, not a W-2. A W-4 is a withholding allowance certificate (i.e. how much tax is withheld from a paycheck). A W-2 is a wage and tax statement that is mailed by employers (usually after the start of the new year) in advance of tax time.

[LBeachey 45]

Typically the I-9 and W-4 are filled out the first day of work. It might be reasonable that your future employer might want to see a copy of your visa before then to confirm you are elgible to work in the US but normally they take your word for it until you actually show up for work. Plus, you will not likely have a SSN until a couple weeks after you arrive which is needed for these documents as well.

[Darnell 8,479]

gosh I'm stupid. Sign em? Sure ! no problem.

submit them prior? well, then what....

Employer does some check based on the I-9 with e-verify, finds you are not eligible to work in the USA.

Please, cross a border, things change after.

[GuyZys 0]

Thanks for your replies, they definitely clear things up.

So in short, I can expect my employer to provide me with W-4 and I-9 forms to sign once I'm in the US. In that case, the SSN concern is interesting - as it will probably take weeks before I actually receive my number via mail, to the address I specified in the immigration forms.

Does that mean I won't be able to actually sign these forms and begin employment until my SSN is received? Running a quick search suggests that an I-551 stamp should suffice, and the SSN field could be left empty/I can write 'Applied For' in it instead. Is anyone aware of such a procedure?

[Boiler 46,253]

Thta would be up to the Employer, ask them.

[Darnell 8,479]

you can walk into a SSA office 2 to 3 weeks after yer POE date, and apply.

scan this one, though, after you hit USA dirt: ssn http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/405546-ssn-howto/

[GuyZys 0]

Thanks for all the help .