Hi,
Is is possible for a new immigrant to start working before his green card is ready?
Crista

hi Crista,

you are not giving much details and the answer depends on the condition but I will guess that you mean is it possible when you marry an american citizen and apply for a green card , to work before getting the green card.

The answer is no. This is the whole point of the green card, it allows you to be a permanent resident of the usa and to work.
You will not be able to get a social security number without it, and therefore you will not be able to work.

Moreover, when applying for a job, they will ask you for you green card for paperwork if you are not an american citizen.

Good luck
Marion

Hi,
I am an American, my husband is Hungarian. We have been married for almost 13 years living in Germany. My husband is the bread maker and wants to continue his career in the US. My parents are sponsoring us. We have our interview appointment at the US consulate on the 1st of March. Our problem is that almost all employeers want US person status and we can't get that status until we are over there. We feel pretty stuck.
Crista

Well, it is unfortunately the situation the green card process put you though.
Fortunately you do not have much time left. Just be aware that your husband will not be able to work until after he gets a social security card.
(It took mine about a month to arrive as I checked the box "request security card" on the application, otherwise you have to wait to get your permanent resident card, and then apply for the social security card)
You are going to need to have some savings aside for living the first couple months or, as hard as it may sound, decide to stay for a little while at your parents while your husband lines up job interviews.
It is a difficult situation.
It is unfortunately not a situation where you have any control on the time line. Just be really prepared so that you do not waste precious time, and bring all paperwork possible.
One suggestion I have is to start getting in contact with companies as soon as you get the visa/green card stamp, so that you get things running.
Unfortunately you will still need to wait since the social security card/ permanent resident card process is induced by your husband crossing the border and moving to the Usa.
However he can still interview and explain that he has the right to work and is just waiting for his card to arrive in the mail.
As we all know, it always take a little while before hiring so that would save you a little time.
Good luck!
Marion