Urgent social security number

I need urgently help.
I have just got my tn visa from the borders (Vancouver) my employers letter was for monday and I have to go and do the paper work then. I went though today to get my social security number and they told me that it will take some time. Is there a way for them to hire me without my social security number but only with I94 that they gave me to the borders.

It usually takes about 2 weeks or so for the SSA to get the information update from immigration that you are eligible for a SSN. Your employer should still be able to hire you and put you on the books and start you working, they just can't give you a paycheque until you get your SSN.

There's no requirement for them to have the SSN at all in fact, they just have to have made a good faith effort to get it off you - they can't require it for the I-9, although you can use it. That's what the form says. In reality the way most payroll systems work is that the field for the SSN must be filled in, so like Reba says they probably won't pay you until you give it to them.

You can have a read of this if you really want to: http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/m-274.pdf

Thanks a lot guys.
I ask the employee on the social security department and she told me that they can't hire me cause she didn't know.
I have found a paragraph on the temporary document they provide me after my application for a social security number.

" If you are not a U.S. citizen and you are applying for a Social Security number card for employment purposes and your immigraion status allows you to work, you may legally begin employment while you await issuance of a Social Securrity card. You cannot work if your immigration status does not aurhorize you to do so."

Thank you.

I need some more help though if that is possible.

What about the contract.
It has to be in a year bases and ending before my tn visa expires ? What do I have to tell them ?

What do you hsave to tell whom?

Where do you get the SSN? At the border? I got my TN and totally forgot about the SSN number (stress!)

At the local social security office, you apply and they send it in the mail. Unlike the enlightened Canadian system, where they at least give you the number on the spot.

Thanks Steve!