i have been in usa since dec last year i have had my fingerprints and biometrics done how long does it take for identity card to come through to enable me to work, i went to social security to try and get social number they said after 3hours of waiting no number can be issued until card is produced. has anyone gone through the same problem ?

It took me 12 or so months for a work permit to be issued. This is early 1999 to early 2000, BTW. I imagine since 9/11, things haven't gotten any quicker.

I can't recall my exact timeline here in the US, but it took just over two years from the date I applied until I was granted PR.

Check the BCIS website for an idea of what your area's time frame is for an EAD. If you are way over it, then you need to get in touch with them via the 1-800 number. You will not be able to talk to someone, but I managed to find a fax number for my local office. Two days after I faxed them, my EAD was approved after a 6 month wait due to a BCIS mistake.

Pimpbot is probably sick of ready my posts about my EAD

I applied for my EAD November last year. I checked the processing dates of the Atlanta office and when it went passed my date, I called BCIS. I was asked to call back in 14 days to check (my status on line didn't change).

Well, it's now June and Atlanta is processing applications of January this year so I am well overdue to be processed. I called BCIS again and they said call back in 30 days to check

You can get a temporary EAD if you application hasn't been processed 90 days from the notification date on your receipt. I'd have to drive to South Carolina to do that but I can't drive there (no license yet) and I don't want to go all the way there only to be told that I can't get a temporary one because of some bizarre reason (I seem to find a lot of these since all my applications have gone in).

They'll give you more information on the phone as to how and where you can get a temporary work permit from.

Check the processing times of the office you applied at:

BCIS Processing Times

You can also check your status here:

BCIS Case Status

I would also recommend calling BCIS for your offices processing times as they always give me different ones to that published on their website. The website for me says February 27th but when I called, they told me they were only in January (but still passed my date).

I've never had that problem. Just dial 1-800-375-5283 then press 1 and then 9. It will take 5 -10 minutes of holding, but you will talk to someone. I have done everytime.

Good luck