Approved after interview: Now what?

[sdewi]

Hey guys,

Me and my wife had our AOS interview yesterday and I got approved (yay) for a green card at the San Francisco USCIS office.

They didn't stamp my passport but gave me a letter / notice saying I am approved. My case status has also changed to 'card production ordered'.

I went to the local Social Security office this morning, hoping I could now request a SSN (I never got my EAD and I'm dying to get to work), but the woman there was adamant in that she needed my green card, and nothing else, to give me an SSN.

Since the interviewer at the USCIS said it can take up to five weeks for me to get my green card, I'm freaking out a bit. Now what?

Input very appreciated!

[immihelp]

It seems odd that they didn't stamp your passport. You should go back there to find out.

[sdewi]

My attorney did mention before the interview that they typically don't stamp anymore in SF / NY; only if you have travel plans in the following days are they willing to make an exception.

Should I make an appointment at USCIS to inform?

[immihelp]

You don't have travel plans but you need to get SSN to start working. It might be worth asking USCIS.

[sdewi]

Thanks for the advice! headed to the Sansome St. office in San Francisco for 'general inquiries', and managed to get my passport stamped anyway (what a dinky stamp -- heh).

I went to the Social Security Office near Chinatown, where initially they weren't willing to process me, but eventually gave me a letter stating they're verifying my immigrant status and that I am now legally allowed to work in the United States until my SS card arrives in the mail, in max. four weeks.

Thanks again!