I-551 - Need Work Authorization

[Seattle Guy]

Hello Friends,
I got my I-551 approved and stamped in India Sept 05 and came to US in Dec 05. I did not receive any further documents from CIS after that.

Now what do I need to do to get work authorization and start working.

Thanks in Advance.

[omg_stfu]

Originally Posted by Seattle Guy

Hello Friends,
I got my I-551 approved and stamped in India Sept 05 and came to US in Dec 05. I did not receive any further documents from CIS after that.

Now what do I need to do to get work authorization and start working.

Thanks in Advance.

You need nothing. An I-551 stamp is proof for legal admission and employment authorization. All you need is a job.

[cherr1980]

Since you just came in, you can wait for your actual card would come on the mail or go with your passport and stamp to your local Social Security office and apply for a social security number, so then you can work.
After you get your SSN you are set and can start looking for a job.
Good luck,

[cherr1980]

The I-551 stamp is proof of your permanent resident and work authorization.
Since you just came in, you can wait for your actual card come on the mail or go with your passport and stamp to your local Social Security office and apply for a social security number, so then you can work.
After you get your SSN you are set and can start looking for a job.
Good luck,

[Seattle Guy]

Thanks org_stfu & Charr1980 for the valuable information,

I applied for the SSN.
When I apply for work, what will be my primary document for proving work authorization used along with the W4 form ? Many people may not understand the stamp on the passport.

Thanks a lot.

[omg_stfu]

Originally Posted by Seattle Guy

Thanks org_stfu & Charr1980 for the valuable information,

I applied for the SSN.
When I apply for work, what will be my primary document for proving work authorization used along with the W4 form ? Many people may not understand the stamp on the passport.

Thanks a lot.

Recruiters, HR departments and and employers in general understand the stamp very well. In addition to that, the law says that when you are applying for a job,you need to provide 2 documents: one proof of identity (such as a US-issued DL or photo ID) and one proof of employment authorization (such as a GC, I-551 stamp or your SS card). It is your choice what to show; the employers CANNOT ask you for specific ones, although many will try. If an employer needs to verify employment authorization (and they must do that regardles of what docs you show them), they file a form (I think it was I-9) with the SSA and they get their response (I"ve heard there's a phone line they can use, too.)

[Seattle Guy]

Thanks a ton omg_stfu, You solved my biggest worry.
I truely appreciate your advice and quick response.

[Seattle Guy]

omg_stfu,
One more question. The stamp on my passport shows 'IV expires on 12MAR2006'. It also has says 'Upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing parmanent residence for 1 year' .

What do I need to do to continue working beyond Mar-06.
Thanks for your guidence.

[omg_stfu]

Originally Posted by Seattle Guy

omg_stfu,
One more question. The stamp on my passport shows 'IV expires on 12MAR2006'. It also has says 'Upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing parmanent residence for 1 year' .

What do I need to do to continue working beyond Mar-06.
Thanks for your guidence.

If you don't have the plastic card by then, you should set up an appt online and go to a local USCIS office, where they can extend it. But why is your physical GC taking this long?