Working the US on a temp I-551 Visa pre PRC

[RJD 2]

Hi All,

 

Hoping you can help. I have just collected my passport with the I-551 visa attached inside and the sealed documents for the port of entry agent. I currently work for a UK based company who i'll be continuing to work for within the US but as US employee (UK company also registered in the US). 

 

To ensure eligibility to work in the US i believe i will need a social security number? To obtain this, will my 1-551 visa be enough or do i need to wait until i have my PRC? From reading the letter given to me with the docs it states that i have to fill in forms given to me at the port of entry and submit these with a fee to get my PRC which could take up to 6 months... my employer and I are hoping i can begin to work right away when i enter the states.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

Ryan

 

•  

[bakphx1 789]

You need a Social Security number.  Typically your sponsor checks the box to process the Social Security card 2ith the visa AND if you paid the final immigration fee in advance, you will get the Social Security card relatively quickly. 

 

Working during this period... not sure where that leaves you.  You have the 1-551, but they also need a SSN to put you on the payroll. 

[RJD 2]

4 minutes ago, Dee elle said:

When you enter the US at the POE, the CBP officer will stamp the visa which then makes that become evidence of LPR status for 12 months.. or until the actual GC arrives.

The stamped visa is all you need.. you can work travel etc... immediately. 

You can start work before getting your SSN.. but they cant pay you until that is on file...

On your DS 260 you had the opportunity to check the box to receive your SSN after arrival.. if you ticked that box, and it hasnt arrived within 2 weeks, go to your local SSA office with all required documents and get them to do it.. 

 

The fee you are referring to is the $220 GC fee.. You can pay it now that you have the visa in hand.. go to USCIS website and search for Pay the Green Card fee.. this is separate to the SS card issue. 

 

?

All clear thank you. Thinking about it, i still have my SS card from my time working in the states on an H-2B visa. Can this be reinstated in some way?

[Mrs. DPK 66]

8 minutes ago, RJD said:

All clear thank you. Thinking about it, i still have my SS card from my time working in the states on an H-2B visa. Can this be reinstated in some way?

If you obtained a SSC previously, then you have no issue. Even though that SSC was issued when you were using a different visa, the number is yours forever and will not change.

 

I am also using my SSN issued when I was a J1 visa holder, and it was accepted by my current employer without issues.

 

 

Edited May 16, 2018 by dpk

[payxibka 10,047]

10 minutes ago, RJD said:

All clear thank you. Thinking about it, i still have my SS card from my time working in the states on an H-2B visa. Can this be reinstated in some way?

The only way a SSN expires if you have expired also

Edited May 16, 2018 by payxibka

[RJD 2]

Fantastic news, thank you @Dee elle @dpk @payxibka - time to book that flight!!

[jan22 3,064]

12 minutes ago, RJD said:

Fantastic news, thank you @Dee elle @dpk @payxibka - time to book that flight!!

Your current SS card probably indicates it us only valid with approved work authorization.  You will need to contact the SS office to update your status and get a new card without that restriction on it.  Won't keep you from starting work, but it needs to be done.

[RJD 2]

1 minute ago, jan22 said:

Your current SS card probably indicates it us only valid with approved work authorization.  You will need to contact the SS office to update your status and get a new card without that restriction on it.  Won't keep you from starting work, but it needs to be done.

I was assuming the same thing so i'll get on that right away. Appreciate the heads up