How can my husband obtain some sort of an IRS # while waiting for paperwork ?

Question

My husband recently filed an application to adjust status to a permanent resident which apparently takes for ever. Along with the form, we were advised that we should file another form for work authorization, so he is able to work and not have to wait until his green card is here. This is going on 2 months now, and we have yet to hear anything. He did the finger printing. He has a job lined up, but they can’t hold the position for him much longer, and since he doesn’t have a SSN or a work authorization number, they can’t hire him. It seems that we are hitting a dead end. The INS (or USCIS now) doesn’t really tell you much, and you pretty much can’t really talk to a human unless you are ON FIRE.. Their automated system tells you the same information as that on their Website and it also advises you that customer service doesn’t have any further updates (if you are lucky enough to get a hold of customer service that is). After all the paper work and money we put into this process, it seems unreal why they would ask you com complete a form so you don’t have to wait and then make you wait for that. We scream and ***** about illegal immgrants but doing things the right way, they put you through h**l... Anyone knows anything we can obtain temporarily to get this job until we hear from them. This is VERY frustrating.

Answer 1

go to your local SS office and complete the forms to get him the SSN - you can also complete them from the website: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html I think it takes about a week or 2 until it comes through.  the work permit you've applied for will take a while longer but they are 2 separate things - one is directly through the SS and the other through the USCIS.  By the way - I feel your pain but honestly, 2 months is nothing!  

Also if you have ANY problems with the process, do Not rely o nthe info off the cust. service folks on the phone - they all say somethign different.  And if, heaven forbid, they turn him down, make sure you find out what money you need to send with the appeal because we lost a year of our lives because they didn't tell us you have to pay for that too - and seriously, it's been a nightmare to get it straightwened out and it's still not!  Oh and when we did get an actual human, they nicely told us our files had been sent to archiving!!!  If you get any probs and can afford it, get a lawyer!  But yeah, SSN, from SS.  Dopn't give up!  It's only red tape don't let it hold up your life!! ♥

Answer 2

Did you not fill out an I-134? Then you must be able to support the two of you. I know it is aggravating and frustrating having gone through it with my wife but I'm glad I did!

Answer 3

He cannot work until he has a work permit and has applied for a social security card...which is another obstacle.  My son in law applied, finished biometrics and it took about 3 months before he had an actual SS#.  Your husband, once he has his work authorization card from USCIS, will have to have all the normal documents that citizens need in order to obtain a SS#.  They did accept a marriage license for my son in law, but it couldn't be more than 6 months old (meaning, we had to send off and get another one with a recent stamp).  So, keep that in mind.  While you are waiting, you could go to the social secuity office and ask them to review the documents you have and find out what else you are lacking and start getting the rest of your papers together for him to get a SS#.  Once he makes application for a #, you will have to wait another 10 days or so to get the work permit card.  Because your husband has never had a number before, he will have to wait to receive it in the mail.  Of course, until he has the SS#, he can't obtain a license or ID card either.  So you are pretty stuck until then.  Just hang in there.  I know it is a really long time until that prized document arrives (especially if you are like my kids were and they just really really needed the money).  I agree with you completely.  It's a really tough process to get through, but it's just right around the corner for you.  You're almost there, hang on a few more weeks.

Hugs;)