British Expatriate Network

Hi,

Just wondering if somebody can give me some advice about work, visa issues.

Here's my details

I worked in the US back in 1996-1997 and got a social security number at that time. I've still got the card.

I then returned to blighty to work etc but have been visiting the US using a VWP for the last few years.

I'm here again for 90 days and was speaking to an american friend about wanting to live here again. To cut a long story short he said that if I have a SSN then I should be able to work here legally! So I went to my local Social Security Office and they said that I would need to change my visa status and then request an updated SSN card before interviewing for jobs.

Now, here's my worries

1. The person in the SS office doesn't understand the hassle of being a foriegner and trying to work and live legally in this country.

2. I thought that a H1B visa was my only way of working here again.

3. I'm worried about attempting to change my status in case Homeland Security says that I have breached my VWP rules and deports me or denies entry next time I try to enter the country.

I could go on about my concerns but I quess you guys understand my dilemna.

Anybody got any ideas about what I should do?

Any comments much appreciated.

I think it takes more than just having a SSN.

My SS card is stamped with something like "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION" and I had to show work authorization stamps when I was hired and each time they expired until I got a permanent residents card.

What's on your card?

Thanks for responding pilgrim_007

My SSN card says the same thing ""VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION", I thought it couldn't be as easy as suggested by the woman in the local SS Office.

If anybody could suggest anything regarding changing my visa status or some other way around not having to find someone to sponsor a H1B for me then please feel free to comment.

You wouldn't be able to work whilst over here on this trip. If you could find a company willing to sponsor you for a H1B then you'd need to go back to the UK and then file all the paperwork with the embassy there.

It is wrong to search for a job over here while under the VWP. I suggest you go back and start sending resumes to US companies. The fact that you have previously worked over here may make you more enticing to them.

You can only Adjust Status from a Visa Waiver after marrying a US Citizen.

and even then it's considered dodgy.

You are no better off with the SSN than someone who has never had one. Doesn't make any difference, sorry.