Can you delay paying immigrant fee until after arrival in US

[Redro 4,611]

9 hours ago, SteveInBostonI130 said:

 

I do not know of any US employer who will employ a person that does not have a SSN.  This has nothing to do with immigration.  It has everything to do with the IRS. 

Not just that... but recently started a job and they needed my SSN to set up my staff accounts. 

Some (government) jobs request your SSN when you apply.

Depending on the type of job you apply for you might have to provide them with your SSN for a background check (banking/teaching).  

But, in good news my SSN arrived 2 weeks after I arrived so I was able to start working 3-4 weeks after my entry. 

Using my endorsed visa wasn't an issue at most places but one bank didn't accept it as proof of residency - because of the word "temporary" so I went to another bank. 

[SteveInBostonI130 3,416]

2 hours ago, healthteacher said:

I found this on the internet so I do not know if it is true.

Apparently it is completely acceptable and legal for an employer to hire a legal resident (or citizen) awaiting their social security card in the mail. You just cannot pay them like a regular w2 employee until the SSN arrives.

According to this article, a letter from social security may help to put the employer more at ease. 

 

Can I Start Working While I Wait to Receive My Social Security Card?

Yes, you can start to work before you receive your social security number.

To start working, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will require your employer to use your Social Security number to report your wages once you receive your card. While you wait, your employer should request a letter from the Social Security Administration that states you requested a number, and the employee is authorized to work in the United States.

 

It may work at a small place or as a helper to a one-person contractor like a plumber.  A regular company will have an onboarding process which will include completing the W4.  Per their own policies or software limitations they will not or cannot start someone on their payroll without an SSN.