Papers Required To Work US

[Darnell 8,479]

Re: ssn...

The day after you apply, in person, at a ssa office,

Go back and get the number.

[pogingolsen 2]

Thank you.

[delish 29]

Hi Delish,

That's the answer that I was hoping for. I have F24 Visa already(Permanent Resident). I was curious if I can work right away as soon as I have my social numbers and not to wait with Green Card.

So with Social number and I-551, ready, I'm good to go to work?

Yes. We're in the same boat. F24 arrived a month ago and 2 weeks ago, i had a job. Those 2 documents were asked from me.

[Rob L 3,811]

How do you start work without an SSN?

For example, I'm looking at online applications for my husband at temp agencies, and they immediately ask for SSN.

Is this something he has to go in office for in order to avoid providing SSN?

There are several ways to start work and complete the I-9 without presenting a SSN

http://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/acceptable-documents/list-documents/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

[pogingolsen 2]

Yes. We're in the same boat. F24 arrived a month ago and 2 weeks ago, i had a job. Those 2 documents were asked from me.

Thanks Delish! So we need to wait until we receive our Social numbers by mail. You got a job really fast! What field are you on? I'm also in SF area by the way, Alameda.

[arken 4,197]

By law, you can start working with any employment authorization (i551 stamp in your case) and the proof of application for SSN. It's up to the employer whether they want you to start working or not before you get the SSN. Some employers want SSN beforehand because they don't want to go through the resubmission process of wage reporting one you get the SSN.

[newacct 688]

Hi Newacct, if possible, can you please post a link where it shows that? I just thought that even if you provide them a proof that you applied for SSN already, you still don't have social numbers until you receive it.

This brochure from the SSA says:

Do I need to have my number before I start working?

We don’t require you to have a Social Security number before you start work. However, the Internal Revenue Service requires employers to use your Social Security number to report your wages.

While you wait for your Social Security number, your employer can use a letter from us stating you applied for a number, and your immigration documents can prove your authorization to work in the United States.

Employers can find more information online at www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/hiring.htm

This page also says:

Note that the employee may work while the Social Security number application is being processed.

For example, I'm looking at online applications for my husband at temp agencies, and they immediately ask for SSN.

Is this something he has to go in office for in order to avoid providing SSN?

I am not sure about particular employers' applications. If possible, I would write something like "applied" in the space. If that is not allowed by the form, then I would go in and talk to them.

[pogingolsen 2]

Hi newacct, this is perfect! Just what I need to know. Thank you for the link that you have provided.

[Darnell 8,479]

Thanks Delish! So we need to wait until we receive our Social numbers by mail.

Why would you assume this, based on what's written in post #16?

[pogingolsen 2]

Why would you assume this, based on what's written in post #16?

I assumed because that's what he said. Doesn't mean it's correct.

Now, everything is clear since newacct provided the link. From the start, almost everyone aside from him knew the accurate answer. Thanks.

[Darnell 8,479]

Uh oh.

[delish 29]

Thanks Delish! So we need to wait until we receive our Social numbers by mail. You got a job really fast! What field are you on? I'm also in SF area by the way, Alameda.

Im in Richmond and work as stocker at a local grocery store here. Just an entry level job (stepping stone) as I will be pursuing my nursing career here. Need to save money for my review.

Edited November 23, 2015 by delish

[pogingolsen 2]

Ah. Thanks. Good luck!