marianne312001

I had my wallet stolen 4 months ago. It contained my green card and social security card.
I've filled to replace my green card, but it takes 6 months for it to come through and social security wont issue a new card until my green card comes in.
The real bummer is that I was offered a new job yesterday but cant take the position because they need proof I can work in this country.

Does anyone here have any bright ideas on how I can take this job before my green card gets in?

dunroving

Does a previous employer have a photocopy?

Manc

go get a temporary I-551 in your passport from your local district office.

marianne312001

Dunroving, Manc, thanks for replying!

I have an appointment to see someone at the INS office in a few weeks, but was told on the phone by an INS representative they may or may not stamp my passport. The representative claimed a new rule came into effect as of 31st May that prevents them from doing that. This seems pretty stupid to me. If your legally in this country you NEED something to show your legal! You never know if you may need to leave the country for an emergency, or loose your job and need proof of your status etc. There are a whole miriad of problems that could arise from this.

As for checking with a previous employer, I will most definatly get in touch with them and see if they still have me on file.

Thanks again guys

sibsie

In case it's any help this page has some really useful info and a full list of acceptable documents to prove employment eligability.

BritishInOhio

OK, nowhere on that list states that the letter you get (I-797??) to extend your Green Card for 1 year whilst it is being processes is acceptable as proof you can work. Why? You can still work. Why is it not on the list?

Rete

that's not the problem. the problem is a lack of a social security card to show the new employer which is mandatory. One does not have to show their green card for employment unless the social security card as the work authorization needed legend on it.

Rete

Because it is hoped by the time you are at the removal of condition stage you would have been smart enough to go to the SSA office and had the legend removed. They are not allowed to ask you to prove work authorization if you can fullfill the documentation requirements with other documents on the lI-9. However, if your SSC has the legend that you need work authorization from CIS then of course they are going to ask for proof.

BritishInOhio

Crap, I never did that! But come to think of it I have never been asked to show my SS card only my Green Card for every job I've had, 3 since I hahve been here.
I still have a couple of months left on my 2 yr GC, can I apply for a new SS card by mail or do I have to take a vactaion day and go down the office to show them my GC before I get a SS without the valid to work with proof bit on it?

ladyofthelake

So the moral of this story is never keep your social security card in your wallet/purse.
With identity theft so rife these days too, you'll need to research what can be done to curb your credit history going down the pan.

Rete

Don't believe you can do it via mail as you have to show your green card. You can go to any SSA office to do this. Is there one never your place of business that you can use?

Dant3

I am in exactly the same position, and though I have learnt my lesson and will NEVER carry my residency card and SS card around in my wallet, the lesson doesn't do me much good right now as my employer is breathing down my neck to proove that I am still eligable to work. I got a new (unrestricted) SS card on the basis of the temporary I-551 stamp in my passport. Thaough that satisfies the 'proof of eligibility to work' section of the I-9, my British passport is no longer considered proof of ID, so I now have to apply for a state ID card! And though I applied for a replacement I-551 card six weeks ago, I haven't even recieved a receipt of application yet!

The shit never ends.

NC Penguin

Just memorize your SSN. It should come quite easily 'cos one finds one has to quote it from time to time. My SS card has never been in my purse. Even if it was, it's only a piece of card and will probably fall apart pretty quickly.




NC Penguin

scrubbedexpat099

For what its worth I was told the same, the reason given was too easy to forge.

BritishInOhio

Just went down the SS office this morning and asked for a duplicate. Filled out the sheet, showed tham my GC with 2 months left on it, showed them my drivers liecense. Was told it will arrive in the post in 2 weeks.