IR1 Visa and working upon entry

[Sausagedog 1]

Apologies if this has been covered before, I'm having a hard time finding conrete evidence. I have received my IR1 visa today and am planning on flying out at the beginning of next month. I am just wondering what the process is with regards to being able to work? I know I will need an SSN, but is it possible to work whilst that is being processed?

 

Thank you in advance.

[Nitas_man 3,100]

10 minutes ago, Sausagedog said:

Apologies if this has been covered before, I'm having a hard time finding conrete evidence. I have received my IR1 visa today and am planning on flying out at the beginning of next month. I am just wondering what the process is with regards to being able to work? I know I will need an SSN, but is it possible to work whilst that is being processed?

 

Thank you in advance.

You are work-eligible on arrival but it will be difficult to find an employer until your SS number is issued.

[Sausagedog 1]

1 minute ago, Nitas_man said:

You are work-eligible on arrival but it will be difficult to find an employer until your SS number is issued.

My company has offered me a transfer, but I just want to do everything above board and not cause them any issues. I'm assuming its best to just wait for an SSN to be allocated?

[Nitas_man 3,100]

1 minute ago, Sausagedog said:

My company has offered me a transfer, but I just want to do everything above board and not cause them any issues. I'm assuming its best to just wait for an SSN to be allocated?

Nothing to do with above-board.  Your visa will state that you are work-eligible on arrival.  There is no, zero prohibition on employment.

 

https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/temporary-i-551-stamps-and-mrivs

 

Company payrolls however are set up to automatically deduct and pay SS and federal income tax and those payments are tied to your SS number which usually arrives a few weeks after you enter the US.   They can’t set you up in the payroll system

without that number. It is really up to your company on how they want to handle that before you can provide that number.

 

 

 

[Sausagedog 1]

3 minutes ago, Nitas_man said:

Nothing to do with above-board.  Your visa will state that you are work-eligible on arrival.  There is no, zero prohibition on employment.

 

https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/temporary-i-551-stamps-and-mrivs

 

Company payrolls however are set up to automatically deduct and pay SS and federal income tax and those payments are tied to your SS number which usually arrives a few weeks after you enter the US.   They can’t set you up in the payroll system

without that number. It is really up to your company on how they want to handle that before you can provide that number.

 

 

 

Thats awesome, thank you. I'll definitely pass this on to them and see how they want to handle it. 

Thank you so much for the information.

[Lino_klm 4]

12 hours ago, Sausagedog said:

Thats awesome, thank you. I'll definitely pass this on to them and see how they want to handle it. 

Thank you so much for the information.

Please let us know how it goes. I secured a job in the US with a big company and they are thinking about letting me start within EMEA to transfer me when I get my visa...

[Chancy 6,241]

13 hours ago, Sausagedog said:

I know I will need an SSN, but is it possible to work whilst that is being processed?

 

Yes, you are allowed to work immediately, but the company won't be able to pay you.  Happened to @JFH --

 

 

[Jake and Ana 3]

Cant you go to a SS office and request a letter stating that your SS card is on the way? To serve as a temporary SS card?

[Sausagedog 1]

5 hours ago, Jake and Ana said:

Cant you go to a SS office and request a letter stating that your SS card is on the way? To serve as a temporary SS card?

I'm honestly not too sure about this, a lot of information seems to be a bit wishy washy as to what you can actually do in these situations. I guess it can't hurt to try though.

I'll update this thread once I'm there and get into trying to resolve these issues.

[Lil bear 4,219]

4 minutes ago, Sausagedog said:

I'm honestly not too sure about this, a lot of information seems to be a bit wishy washy as to what you can actually do in these situations. I guess it can't hurt to try though.

I'll update this thread once I'm there and get into trying to resolve these issues.

Some SSA offices remain closed to the public … some are open for these types on needs .. call the SSA for your area .. get your US resident spouse to call ..may be easier depending on cost of calls and time zones  .. and ask for their process ..  your company may be happy to just hold your due pay until the number comes through 

[Ryan H 3,812]

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