I-551 stamp and pending Green Card

[csh2020 10]

Hello. My stepkids are here. We entered together last Saturday and they received their I-551 stamp. My stepson is 20 and he is hoping to work soon. The CO said that he can work with the A# listed on the Visa.

Question 1: Is there a delay in Green Cards being processed? (We are hoping that COVID isn't causing a delay in processing).

 

We paid the fee before departing from their country and when I check the status with UCSIS, it only says "Fee Paid." We aren't sure if the Social Security cards will arrive before or after the Green Card (we checked the box on the I-130 application).

 

Question 2: If there is a delay in the Green Card and/or SSN card, can we apply for the SSN with the I-551 stamp?

 

Ideally, we will wait for the Green Card and SSN before him going to work (we know that he cannot legally work without a SSN anyway).

 

The motive for the questions is ultimately, I might be able to help him with employment through my employer (the school system) that would start at the beginning of August. We are hoping to have all the paperwork in order for him to work by that date because it would be a great job opportunity for him.

 

I know this is a bit disjointed, we are just trying to plan and having information of what we can and cannot do with a I-551 visa stamp would help us know how to plan. 

 

Edited June 14, 2021 by csh2020

[HRQX 4,145]

24 minutes ago, csh2020 said:

can we apply for the SSN with the I-551 stamp?

Yes

24 minutes ago, csh2020 said:

(we know that he cannot legally work without a SSN anyway)

Actually, he can work legally without SSN. If the employer uses E-verify, then they should select "Awaiting Social Security number." https://www.e-verify.gov/faq/my-employee-applied-for-a-social-security-number-ssn-but-has-not-yet-received-it-what-should-i

If a newly hired employee has applied for, but has not yet received his or her SSN (e.g., the employee is a newly arrived immigrant), attach an explanation to the employee’s Form I-9 and set it aside. Then create a case in E-Verify using the employee’s SSN as soon as it is available. If you are unable to create a case by the third business day after the employee’s first day of employment, select Awaiting Social Security number when prompted by E-Verify.

 

https://www.twc.texas.gov/news/efte/employees_without_ssns.html

It is certainly legal to hire someone who is authorized to work in this country, but who does not have a social security number or who chooses not to disclose it.

24 minutes ago, csh2020 said:

we are just trying to plan and having information of what we can and cannot do with a I-551 visa stamp would help us know how to plan.

He can legally work, travel internationally, etc. etc. with it.

24 minutes ago, csh2020 said:

(the school system)

No SSN results in the obstacle of not being able to go through background check process, though. Also expect a delay in receiving the paycheck:

 

Edited June 14, 2021 by HRQX

[csh2020 10]

His SSN card came yesterday but the GC is still pending. 

Is there a delay on GC's coming? 

 

It is interesting the the SSN card came before the GC. But I do understand that he can now work, open an account, etc with his SSN and I-551 Stamp. 

 

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

23 minutes ago, csh2020 said:

His SSN card came yesterday but the GC is still pending. 

Is there a delay on GC's coming? 

 

It is interesting the the SSN card came before the GC. But I do understand that he can now work, open an account, etc with his SSN and I-551 Stamp. 

 

It is normal for SS cards to come much faster than the green cards.