New H1 - Should I wait for SSN ?

[g_user]

Hello,

I need your advice ASAP. Can I work for my employer while waiting for my SSN or should I start working only after getting SSN ? I am on new H1 visa and arrived in US recently. I applied for SSN and waiting to hear from INS. In the mean while can I start working for my employer or should I wait till I get my SSN. What are INS guidelines in this situation?

Any advice is greatly appreicated.

Thanks
g_user

 

[billy__bob]

You can start working for your employer. However, they will be unable to pay you since they need your SSN for tax reporting purposes. In most places it only takes a couple of weeks so you should be fine.

BTW, the SSN is not applied for at the INS (USCIS) but rather at your local social Security Administration office.

 

[saigc]

Hello,

I need your advice ASAP. Can I work for my employer while waiting for my SSN or should I start working only after getting SSN ? I am on new H1 visa and arrived in US recently. I applied for SSN and waiting to hear from INS. In the mean while can I start working for my employer or should I wait till I get my SSN. What are INS guidelines in this situation?

Any advice is greatly appreicated.

Thanks
g_user

you can start working (infact you have to immediately). its your employer problem. your employer may pay you (in cash - get this in writing, or by corporate check) which can be deducted later from your post tax after your get your ssn.

 

[g_user]

you can start working (infact you have to immediately). its your employer problem.

Thanks for your responses saigc & billy_bob.

Is this a rule to start working before getting SSN i.e. as soon as I am in US? My employer gave me an option to be on unpaid leave until I get my SSN and told me to join immediately after getting my SSN.

This actually worked for me as I wanted to visit my brother and spend some time with him (he is in CA, while my job is in Boston). I was with my brother for 4 weeks and applied for SSN in CA. I got my SSN in 4 weeks and I opened a bank a/c in CA. After that I moved to Boston to join my job and I am paid regularly from there on, depositing my paychecks in my bank a/c in CA.

My main problems started when my wife applied for H4. Consulate officials wanted to justify why I opened an a/c in CA while I am located in Boston. They asked for an explanation letter. Can I be straight forward and explain this situation? I am planning to send a letter saying I did not work until I got my SSN and was with my brother in CA for 4 weeks where I opened my a/c. Is there anything which can jeopardize my wife's H4 visa?

Your responses are greatly appreciated.

Thank You.

 

[saigc]

Thanks for your responses saigc & billy_bob.

Is this a rule to start working before getting SSN i.e. as soon as I am in US? My employer gave me an option to be on unpaid leave until I get my SSN and told me to join immediately after getting my SSN.
you are supposed to work (be on payroll) from the day you land here. Generally a person should receive SSN within 2 weeks (atleast get the number over the phone). each state has its own law requiring employers (including vendors and clients) to report to irs/state of their new hires (including employees and contractors). in that case your employer dont have to wait for your ssn to make you place in the client site.


This actually worked for me as I wanted to visit my brother and spend some time with him (he is in CA, while my job is in Boston). I was with my brother for 4 weeks and applied for SSN in CA. I got my SSN in 4 weeks and I opened a bank a/c in CA. After that I moved to Boston to join my job and I am paid regularly from there on, depositing my paychecks in my bank a/c in CA.
it depends on your employer policies. this is not a serious issue provided it does not violate state law.


My main problems started when my wife applied for H4. Consulate officials wanted to justify why I opened an a/c in CA while I am located in Boston. They asked for an explanation letter. Can I be straight forward and explain this situation? I am planning to send a letter saying I did not work until I got my SSN and was with my brother in CA for 4 weeks where I opened my a/c. Is there anything which can jeopardize my wife's H4 visa?
its better you talk to your company attorney before framing the letter as they know how to present it properly. generally its not a big issue. just give genuine reason. you wouldnt have any issues. dont try to frame your letter that you wish to stay with your brother for few weeks prior start working. instead quote your employer policies requiring its employees to have SSN prior to start working. its better if you send a letter from your employer supporting this issue.
Your responses are greatly appreciated.

Thank You.