DV and SSN

[brandywine]

I am a DV2005 winner. My spouse and I have received our I-551 and we will be travelling to the States next month. We answered 'Yes' to Questions 33a. and 33b. when we completed Form DS-230.

1) Will we still be required to go to the nearest SSA office and apply for SSN upon our arrival?

2) Do we need an EAD at our point-of-entry to enable us to work while waiting for our GC and SSN?

 

[LucyMO]

1) usually it speeds up the process considerably, but you don't have to go.

2) no. Your GC is your work permit, and the annotation in your passport will be your GC until the plastic arrives. Usually an employer will not hire you without an SSN. Plus, it may take more than a month to find a good job.