Can I start working immideately after receiving the visa stamp?

[exp 17]

Hi,

I finally received interview appointment in Europe for March 1. Yay! 🙂

 

According to https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/marriage-based-green-cards-explained/#step-3:

Quote

The spouse seeking a green card will then receive a visa stamp in their passport, allowing for travel to the United States.

• What exactly is this visa stamp? Is it an I-551 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/temporary-i-551-stamps-and-mrivs)?
• Do I assume correctly that the embassy will keep my passport after the interview and send it back within a couple of days including this visa stamp?
• Can I work immideately after arrival in the US or do I have to wait for anything else?

 

Thanks!

 

[pushbrk 12,639]

Technically, you are authorized to work.  However, you will not yet have a social security card or number.  Some employers are not willing to wait on this documentation.

[exp 17]

Great, thank you very much!

 

I do have an SSN though (I lived for many years in the US before) so it's really just about being allowed to work.

 

Do you know about the other two questions by any chance? (Is this I-551 and do I get this directly with my passport at the interview or shortly after?)

 

[Crazy Cat 41,353]

14 minutes ago, exp said:

Great, thank you very much!

 

I do have an SSN though (I lived for many years in the US before) so it's really just about being allowed to work.

 

Do you know about the other two questions by any chance? (Is this I-551 and do I get this directly with my passport at the interview or shortly after?)

 

Upon entry into the US, your visa will be endorsed (stamped).  You then become a legal resident (Green Card holder).  Your passport, then, serves as your Green Card until the plastic one arrives.  It is evidence of your authority to work.

[aaron2020 11,651]

20 minutes ago, exp said:

Great, thank you very much!

 

I do have an SSN though (I lived for many years in the US before) so it's really just about being allowed to work.

 

Do you know about the other two questions by any chance? (Is this I-551 and do I get this directly with my passport at the interview or shortly after?)

 

Fantastic.  You can work immediately upon entering the US and your employer will have no problem reporting your income to the IRS.  

Your visa upon entry gets stamped.  That stamp is the endorsement that turns your visa into a 1 year temporary green card (I-551).  Your endorsed visa authorizes you to work.  Your social security number allows your employer to report your income and tax holdings to the IRS.

Be aware that many employers are not familiar with US immigration.  You will need to educate them that your endorsed visa is a green card.  Some will erroneously insist on the plastic green card.  Print this out and have them refer to this: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-resources/handbook-for-employers-m-274/120-acceptable-documents-for-verifying-employment-authorization-and-identity/121-list-a-documents-that-establish-identity-and-employment-authorization

[Ryan H 3,810]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Working & Traveling During US Immigration forum.