Social security and/or I-765

[Wismer 5]

Hi. Per numerous suggestions,  I applied for a SSN, which came in the mail. I was under the impression from the local SSA office that I would be able to start looking for work upon issuance. The printed card info, however, clearly states "valid for work only with DHS authorization". Can anyone tell me what has to happen get that authorization? Is that part of the I-765 form I submitted with the I-485? It appears that there is no benefit to applying for a SSN in advance, in contrast to many comments from K1 process people. Also, with the information that arrived in the mail, I cannot create a my social security account so that i can track progress myself (keeps stating I cannot be verified). Thanks for any and all context.

[geowrian 22,337]

26 minutes ago, Wismer said:

I was under the impression from the local SSA office that I would be able to start looking for work upon issuance.

Nope. Not sure why that impression was made by them (they have no say in the matter).

 

26 minutes ago, Wismer said:

Can anyone tell me what has to happen get that authorization? Is that part of the I-765 form I submitted with the I-485?

Bingo. ETA: ~4-6 months from filing.

 

26 minutes ago, Wismer said:

It appears that there is no benefit to applying for a SSN in advance, in contrast to many comments from K1 process people.

• Easier to open bank accounts or credit cards.
• Easier to obtain health insurance.
• Usually (but not always) needed to obtain a state ID or driver's license.

Edited December 18, 2018 by geowrian

[Crazy Cat 41,898]

As explained above, a Social Security card only gives you a number to identify you.  It doesn't authorize work. Thus, the "valid for work only with DHS authorization".  

[Wismer 5]

Thank you 

[lummo 61]

1 hour ago, Wismer said:

I was under the impression from the local SSA office that I would be able to start looking for work upon issuance.

Like @geowrian said, they have no say in the matter. As you now know, individuals with a restricted SS card cannot work without USCIS (a part of DHS) employment authorization. On the opposite side on the spectrum, immigrant visa (IR-1, CR-1, etc.) holders can work upon arrival even without a SSN; here is @JFH's personal experience with this. There are even US Citizens without SSNs for various reasons (e.g. religious objection: https://twc.texas.gov/news/efte/employees_without_ssns.html). A restricted SS card is not even an I-9 document: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/acceptable-documents/list-documents/form-i-9-acceptable-documents An unrestricted SS card is just a List C document since it's not a photo ID; you can remove the restriction by going to the SSA office after you become a LPR with either the GC or an I-551 stamp in your passport:

Edited December 18, 2018 by lummo

[DaveAndAnastasia 2,092]

On ‎12‎/‎18‎/‎2018 at 6:50 AM, geowrian said:

• Easier to open bank accounts or credit cards.
• Easier to obtain health insurance.
• Usually (but not always) needed to obtain a state ID or driver's license.

Also easier to file US income taxes as married filing jointly, which is usually advantageous, especially when one spouse can't work for much of the year.