Green Card Timeline Post US Entry

[llcoolwil 99]

Hi all! 

I checked for a post about this but couldn't really find exactly what my question was. Apologies if this is duplicate or if it was mentioned previously. I have a few questions regarding acquiring the green card after entering the US with an approved CR-1:

 

• Can you start to work immediately after crossing the border if you had a job offer waiting for you?
• Does already having a SSN expedite this process? I have a SSN due to having worked on a visa previously. 
• Do you need a physical green card in hand to start to work? 

[OldUser 6,655]

Answers to your questions:

- Yes

- Yes

- No

 

Your endorsed CR-1 serves as a proof of LPR status for 1 year. However, some employers may want to see Green Card, which is not required to start employment since you have proof of your status.

[llcoolwil 99]

5 minutes ago, OldUser said:

Answers to your questions:

- Yes

- Yes

- No

 

Your endorsed CR-1 serves as a proof of LPR status for 1 year. However, some employers may want to see Green Card, which is not required to start employment since you have proof of your status.

Amazing!! Thank you so much!

[powerpuff 6,697]

~~ Topic moved from CR1/IR1 forum to Working & Traveling during US immigration as the question is about working while waiting for a GC ~~
 

 

[ElGrandeDoodel 37]

23 hours ago, llcoolwil said:

Do you need a physical green card in hand to start to work? 

@llcoolwil, see here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/temporary-i-551-stamps-and-mrivs

 

A friend of mine used the above link to explain to Verizon that despite not having a green card in hand, he was an LPR by virtue of his stamped immigrant visa. And, by some miracle, it worked.

[mam521 2,062]

If you had a SSN previously, it probably says "valid with work authorization only".  Head into the SSA office with your documents and you can get one that doesn't have that verbiage printed on it.  

[llcoolwil 99]

That's exactly what it says! Okay that's great! Assuming it's not an instant thing? It would have to be mailed to me? 

 

Thanks so much! 

[mam521 2,062]

5 hours ago, llcoolwil said:

That's exactly what it says! Okay that's great! Assuming it's not an instant thing? It would have to be mailed to me? 

 

Thanks so much! 

Yes, it will be mailed but irrespective of whether you change it, you have valid work authorization. I haven’t changed mine. I applied for citizenship so I’ll do it after I have that in hand. 

[llcoolwil 99]

13 hours ago, mam521 said:

Yes, it will be mailed but irrespective of whether you change it, you have valid work authorization. I haven’t changed mine. I applied for citizenship so I’ll do it after I have that in hand. 

Wonderful! Thank you so much! I appreciate your help!