Can my spouse start working before his social security card comes in the mail?

[Cecileem12 3]

My husband got his cr1 visa approved and we just got to the states. My question is can he start working before his card comes in the mail? He doesn't have his social security number yet but he has his alien registration number. Can he start working legally without it??? It should be come soon we hope

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

not really employers are required to withhold SS tax and need the SS number to do it.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

No.

[NikLR 13,227]

***moved to working and travelling during immigration from IR1/CR1 progress reports ***

Others have started working before getting and SSN because they can and will get an SSN, but it's not recommended obviously. If the SSN doesn't show up in 2-3 weeks after POE, go to an SSA office and order one. Normally takes a week or two after that to get it in the mail. They can also tell you if one is headed to you.

Some people have stated as well that you may need to add your husband to your mailing address (ffs I don't know why, it's the right address...) but apparently some postal workers won't deliver if the name isn't right.