Starting work in the US before the SSN arrives?

[DaisyJ 35]

Hi all, 

It's a couple of weeks before I'm due to travel to the US (CR1 visa holder from UK here) and I've begun applying to jobs in anticipation of my move. My husband's workplace is recruiting for A LOT of positions right now (we have the same academic/working background) so it seems like a no brainer to start applying. His managers are aware of me and are interested in having me on board, I just need to actually go through the application process. With this in mind, it would obviously be amazing if I could get a job within the month. I know that the SSN can take 2 weeks - 3 months+ to arrive. I've done some reading around there are info pages from the social security association themselves that says you CAN start work without having your SSN as long as your immigration document allows you to work, and that it's possible for employers to get a letter from the SSA to prove I've applied for a number and am legitimate in their communication with the IRS.

- has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any advice?
- Is it possible to get such a letter from the SSA even though for spouses you apply for the SSN as part of your application, and not from the SSA directly? 

 

I just want to have the details upfront so that if it all goes well I can give the employer all the info they need!

Looking forward to hearing from people, as always!

[aaron2020 11,651]

Once you enter the US, your immigrant visa upon endorsement by CBP serves as a 1 year green card (I-551).  The green card authorizes you to work.  It will satisfy the requirements of USCIS Form I-9 enabling an employer to hire you.  You do not need to have a SSN to be hired.  (Google I-9 documents.)

 

You will need an SSN for your employer to report your income to the IRS.  Whether your employer is willing to have you work before you can provide them a SSN is up to them.  You will need to talk to their HR person.