Working in the US
Oct 3rd 2011, 1:11 pm
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2011
Location: Kent
Posts: 37
Working in the US
Hello,
I am currently in the process of securing a spouse visa. My interview is coming up on 31 October - spooky - and I am confident that I will be successful
!
I have a few questions which I trust someone can answer.
1. Is the visa valid for 6 months?
2. What visa am I given on my arrival in the States and how long does that one last?
3. Do I need anything more than a social security number in order to work?
Thanks!
I am currently in the process of securing a spouse visa. My interview is coming up on 31 October - spooky - and I am confident that I will be successful
!I have a few questions which I trust someone can answer.
1. Is the visa valid for 6 months?
2. What visa am I given on my arrival in the States and how long does that one last?
3. Do I need anything more than a social security number in order to work?
Thanks!
Oct 3rd 2011, 1:16 pm
#2
Yes, I know i'm awesome.
Joined: Jan 2011
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota
Posts: 624
Re: Working in the US
Assuming you are going for a CR-1 visa, I believe you are correct that you have six months in which to enter the US.
Once you arrive you become a PR automatically, and your GC will be mailed to you. You will need your SSN and most employers will want to see your GC before you can start work.
This might be helpful - http://britishexpats.com/wiki/CR-1
Once you arrive you become a PR automatically, and your GC will be mailed to you. You will need your SSN and most employers will want to see your GC before you can start work.
This might be helpful - http://britishexpats.com/wiki/CR-1
Oct 3rd 2011, 2:14 pm
#3
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2002
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 38,865
Re: Working in the US
Yes... you must enter the US within 6 months.
You aren't given any sort of visa upon arrival. The visa you have will be endorsed - and that endorsement is the legal equivalent of a Green Card. The physical GC will come in the mail some weeks later.
To work, your GC (or endorsed visa) is sufficient. To get paid, however, you'll need a SSN. 
Ian
2. What visa am I given on my arrival in the States and how long does that one last?
3. Do I need anything more than a social security number in order to work?
Ian
Oct 3rd 2011, 2:49 pm
#4
Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,049
Re: Working in the US
A visa is a travel document that allows you to travel to the country that issues the visa and request entry to that country. If you are granted entry you do not need a visa any longer - you're there already.
Regards, JEff
Regards, JEff
Oct 3rd 2011, 2:50 pm
#5
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2011
Location: Kent
Posts: 37
Re: Working in the US
Thanks to all for your replies.
Mine is actually an IR-1 visa but I think I still have 6 months to enter the US.
What is 'PR'? Something to do with my status in the US, I would wager.
It's a relief I don't have to splash out any more money for a job visa.
On my last form which I sent to the US Embassy, there was a section asking if I wanted SSN. I ticked 'yes' so I should have that not too long after I've arrived.
Mine is actually an IR-1 visa but I think I still have 6 months to enter the US.
What is 'PR'? Something to do with my status in the US, I would wager.
It's a relief I don't have to splash out any more money for a job visa.
On my last form which I sent to the US Embassy, there was a section asking if I wanted SSN. I ticked 'yes' so I should have that not too long after I've arrived.
Oct 3rd 2011, 2:56 pm
#6
Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,049
Re: Working in the US
You have 6 months to leave your country on continuous travel to the US. Mr.F has just posted interesting information about this in another thread.
You win the wager. 'PR' is the acronym for Permanent Resident. You will become a PR upon entry to the USA using your IR-1 visa.
You should receive your SS card in 3-4 weeks. If a few more weeks go by and it hasn't arrived, visit your local SSA office and apply. Sometimes checking the box on the DS-230 doesn't work as intended.
Regards, JEff
You win the wager. 'PR' is the acronym for Permanent Resident. You will become a PR upon entry to the USA using your IR-1 visa.
You should receive your SS card in 3-4 weeks. If a few more weeks go by and it hasn't arrived, visit your local SSA office and apply. Sometimes checking the box on the DS-230 doesn't work as intended.
Regards, JEff
