Social security question.

[DanD]

Hey, so i've had a bit of a panic today. I'm currently going through my Green card application and i have recently received my approved EAD card in the mail. I've read some vague things online that say i need to get a social security number before working, does this count even if i have my EAD card? Do i need to get social security number with my EAD before i can work?

I have a job interview tomorrow and i'm slightly worried, although i have also read a couple things that say i just need the EAD.

Any help will be greatly appreciated, Thanks.

P.S I will be using my wife's bank account for all paychecks, i know i do need a SSN in order to open my own bank account, which i will be doing very soon.

[unchained]

I am not an expert but from what i have read on different forums;

1. Yes you only need your EAD to get a job but you also need your SSN for your future employers to be able to pay you. SSN and EAD go hand in hand.

2. You do not have any problem as i understand, you can go for your interview, then run to the SSN office tomorrow and apply for your ssn card. Theres really no point being worried the most important thing is the EAD which allows you to work. When you apply for ssn, you should get it in a few weeks.

This is how much i know, hopefully rayb would see this and explain better.

Hey, so i've had a bit of a panic today. I'm currently going through my Green card application and i have recently received my approved EAD card in the mail. I've read some vague things online that say i need to get a social security number before working, does this count even if i have my EAD card? Do i need to get social security number with my EAD before i can work?

I have a job interview tomorrow and i'm slightly worried, although i have also read a couple things that say i just need the EAD.

Any help will be greatly appreciated, Thanks.

P.S I will be using my wife's bank account for all paychecks, i know i do need a SSN in order to open my own bank account, which i will be doing very soon.

[inadmissible]

You need work authorization to work, you do not need a social security number to work.

That said, you may have issues having to educate ignorant employers. A big firm with dedicated HR team will understand your issue well.

[DanD]

Ok, thanks for your info guys.

To throw a spanner in the works i've just been on the phone to the social security helpline and they've told me i do need an SSN along with my EAD before i can start working. I'm the type of guy who, regardless of what position, tries not to take all advise from one person so i'm calling back to see if i can speak with someone else and see if they say the same.

Regardless of what they say, i'll still show up to my interview and see what the employer says.


Ok so an update, just spoke to another person on the phone and she did say the same, but then i explained that i'll be using my wife's bank account for now and she said that it will be ok to just have the EAD.

[rayb]

I believe one needs an SSN to "legally work," in addition to an EAD (or Green Card). An employer must report your earnings and withholding taxes to both State and Federal agencies with the SSN as the primary index ID. An employer can opt out of demanding an SSN by completing form P-1, "Reasonable Cause Affidavit by Payor." Most often, however, employers will be reluctant to deal with applicants who refuse to provide an SSN.

--Ray B

You need work authorization to work, you do not need a social security number to work.

That said, you may have issues having to educate ignorant employers. A big firm with dedicated HR team will understand your issue well.

[inadmissible]

Please see IRS Publication 1586, Reasonable Cause Regulations & Requirements for Missing and Incorrect Names & Tax Identification Numbers

Furthermore, IRS Publication 15 Circular E Employer's Tax Guide provides specific guidance for on how to handle tax and withholding situations for employees who are unable or unwilling to furnish SSNs.

That said, the 8th and 9th circuits, as well as state courts of Michigan, Kansas, and Virginia have upheld employers right to deny employment to folks who refuse to furnish SSNs. The polite thing for aliens to do is to go apply for an SSN in person, and have the SSA issue a receipt letter stating that they have indeed applied for an SSN.

[rayb]

If one addresses this issue from the point of view of the average employer, most often Walmart, Target or McDonalds, for immigrants seeking entry-level jobs, lack of an SSN is the fastest way to be shown to the door.

When talking with a prospective employer about his not needing to see one's SSN, the last thing one should do is refer the prospective employer to an IRS publication.

--Ray B

Please see IRS Publication 1586, Reasonable Cause Regulations & Requirements for Missing and Incorrect Names & Tax Identification Numbers

Furthermore, IRS Publication 15 Circular E Employer's Tax Guide provides specific guidance for on how to handle tax and withholding situations for employees who are unable or unwilling to furnish SSNs.

That said, the 8th and 9th circuits, as well as state courts of Michigan, Kansas, and Virginia have upheld employers right to deny employment to folks who refuse to furnish SSNs. The polite thing for aliens to do is to go apply for an SSN in person, and have the SSA issue a receipt letter stating that they have indeed applied for an SSN.

[DanD]

Ok, i see what your both saying and it sounds right. I'm fairly new to this but it does make sense that a SSN is an obvious must-have which i didn't really think about over the excitement of being able to start work. The company i have the interview with isn't a heavy corporation so i'm not expecting much.. cooperation..

Thank's a lot for your replies and your help, i didn't expect such a speedy response and honestly, you've made a lot more sense then the guys on the other end of the phone. The moral of what they're trying to say to me is "Uhh yeah mabye, probably, give it a go and see what happens"

What i'll do is give the company a call in the morning before my interview and explain my situation instead of going in and wasting anyones time. If they say no then i don't plan on arguing back against it as it could easily effect my chances of employment in the future with them.