The SS-5 form seems to allow for the possibility of the mailing address including a "foreign country" so I think this would work. You can start work after applying for the SSN, but need to wait until you have the number to be paid. The pay should then be retroactive if it was delayed. However your employer may also want to see a US address so that tax is withheld for the appropriate state. Is there any temporary address you can use, such as a long term hotel where you are staying, the address of a friend, or a mailbox service you can rent for a short time while you get settled?
