Help! How can I prove to my employer that I have Permission to Work in the US other than the Visa Endorsed by Homeland Security and my Social Sec Card

[RedPepper 9]

I came to the US as an IR1 Immigrant, this means that upon entry into the US, I am automatically a Permanent Resident--with no conditions.

On my passport and visa, it indicates that with the endorsement of Homeland Security, my visa serves as a temporary I-551 (Green Card) proof of permanent residence for one year.

My employer claims that I need to present that green card for my Virginia Insurance Licensing/State Board exam. I called the the State Insurance Licensing office to verify that and they told me, on the other hand, that my passport, visa and Social Security Card is enough for the licensing .

My employer, however, is looking at pushing back the date of my employment and training until I get my green card. Apparently, they are doubtful that I am authorized to work. I can only present them with the documents I have: Visa with the one-year temporarily valid I-551 note.

How can I prove to my employer that I do not need an employment authorization? Will appreciate your advice. Thank you very much

P.S.

At the back of the card where my Social Security card is attached--there is a note there that says if you are an alien without permission to work in the U.S., your Social Security card will be marked "NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT."

My Social Security ID has no notations like that--that should mean I have permission to work in the US. Right?

[Birdo 16]

Your employer is wrong. They just need to look at the Instructions for the I-9 form which clearly state that the I-551 in your passport is in List A of acceptable documents that establish both identity and employment authorization. Here is the link to it. http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-9.pdf

[MaleAlpha 314]

Your employer clearly does not follow the law or disregards it. If they are so bent on checking they can just enroll in the e-verify system and I believe they can prove you are authorized to work. Or even better, call USCIS and check.

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Duplicate post removed~

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Show your employer the I-9 form. Walk him/her through it.

[Boiler 46,109]

This is something your Talent Management Dept should be familiar with.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Bring the I-9 to your employer's attention.

The I-551 stamp is your work authorization.

Under US laws, the employer can not refuse to accept the I-551 stamp and demand something else.

The employer is violating the law.

[RedPepper 9]

First of, THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH for the immediate response! Really do appreciate it!

It's technically 4 business days before my training and only now did they inform me they are having "difficulties" employing me. I already provided them with everything they need. Geez! Nerve wracking. I want this job so bad, I don't want to lose the opportunity or have any delays of getting it whatsoever. I was already lucky enough to get in exactly 2 weeks from POE--thought I was lucky. Hope my luck keeps up!

Your employer is wrong. They just need to look at the Instructions for the I-9 form which clearly state that the I-551 in your passport is in List A of acceptable documents that establish both identity and employment authorization. Here is the link to it. http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-9.pdf

Wow! Thank you for the link. I have to be able to resolve this before Friday this week. My training is about to start on March 24 and so worried I might be pushed back in April if I don't. That would mean $$$ lost! Whew! Very helpful, thanks!

Your employer clearly does not follow the law or disregards it. If they are so bent on checking they can just enroll in the e-verify system and I believe they can prove you are authorized to work. Or even better, call USCIS and check.

This is a big company! I wonder why they don't know this fact? Could I be the first alien they are employing in this branch? Hmmmm....

Show your employer the I-9 form. Walk him/her through it.

I will have to check it out. Never knew I-9 ever existed if not for you guys! Whew! You probably just saved a lot of heartache for me. Thank you so much!

This is something your Talent Management Dept should be familiar with.

Yes--i was wondering that, too! The HR team seem not familiar with employing aliens.

One thing more, they are actually taking their sweet time doing my background verification "investigating" ME back home since 2 weeks ago. I hope they have the results out quick! Don't want to miss the training next week. It's a big insurance company--why are they not familiar with the process yet?

Bring the I-9 to your employer's attention.

The I-551 stamp is your work authorization.

Under US laws, the employer can not refuse to accept the I-551 stamp and demand something else.

The employer is violating the law.

Woah! I know, right? I have to be firm and persistent with them. Gotta have that job!

[aaron2020 11,651]

Show the employer these sites.

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/51744446/List-of-Legal-Work-Papers

http://nevadalawhelp.org/resource/citizenship-and-immigration-status-discrimina?ref=Yl2FD

At the least, tell them to use Google.

Tell your employer that you will contact an attorney from the US State Department to file a discrimination complaint for refusing to accept the stamp. If they continue to discriminate, then call to file a complaint.

Edited March 18, 2014 by aaron2020

[RedPepper 9]

I was just in a call with HR--and they did confirm that it was an I-9 that I filled out 2 weeks ago! And now i just remembered I did sign those papers right after my drug test. Waited this long for the training...

Anyway, if they have asked me to sign the i-9--why are they making excuses that THE green card itself is required by The State Licensing Board?

(Like I said, it turns out it's not the State Licensing Board that needs THE green card per se, but it's my employer that is asking for it) Something is amiss...

I am writing HR an email right now...explaining the i-9 instructions. Fingers crossed.

[RedPepper 9]

Noted! Reading on this. Thank you very much!

I am actually smiling right now. Vital information you have here. For sure, they cannot say no anymore.

Show the employer these sites.

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/51744446/List-of-Legal-Work-Papers

http://nevadalawhelp.org/resource/citizenship-and-immigration-status-discrimina?ref=Yl2FD

At the least, tell them to use Google.

Tell your employer that you will contact an attorney from the US State Department to file a discrimination complaint for refusing to accept the stamp. If they continue to discriminate, then call to file a complaint.

[RedPepper 9]

Noted! Reading on this. Thank you very much!

I am actually smiling right now. Vital information you have here. For sure, they cannot say no anymore.

Show the employer these sites.

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/51744446/List-of-Legal-Work-Papers

http://nevadalawhelp.org/resource/citizenship-and-immigration-status-discrimina?ref=Yl2FD

At the least, tell them to use Google.

Tell your employer that you will contact an attorney from the US State Department to file a discrimination complaint for refusing to accept the stamp. If they continue to discriminate, then call to file a complaint.

[Birdo 16]

You would be surprised how many companies have zero clue on immigration status and how to read/understand any forms that are required...

[aaron2020 11,651]

Sorry, not State Dept. It's the US Justice Department.

[DC85 113]

open this link, and print it out. Then show the HR page 58 , it will solve the problem

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/m-274.pdf

Edited March 19, 2014 by myafi1985