Non-citizens must provide documents that establish both identity and employment authorization for employment verification. Acceptable documents include a valid passport with an employment authorization document (EAD) or a combination of a foreign passport and Form I-94, along with additional evidence like a Social Security card. These documents ensure compliance with Form I-9 requirements to verify the employee's legal right to work in the United States.
What Documents Does a Non-Citizen Need for Employment Verification?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | EAD (Employment Authorization Document) | Non-citizens must present an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), officially known as Form I-766, as primary proof for employment verification, confirming their legal eligibility to work in the United States. The EAD contains the individual's name, photograph, expiration date, and alien registration number, serving as valid documentation for Form I-9 compliance. |
| 2 | Form I-766 | Form I-766, also known as the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), serves as primary evidence for employment verification by non-citizens, proving both identity and authorization to work legally in the United States. Employers require this document to comply with the I-9 process, ensuring that non-citizen employees have valid employment authorization during their period of work. |
| 3 | Form I-94 with Work Annotation | Non-citizens must present Form I-94 with a work authorization annotation as key evidence for employment verification, confirming their legal permission to work in the United States. This document, issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, displays the individual's arrival/departure record and specific employment eligibility dates critical for Form I-9 compliance. |
| 4 | Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Card | Non-citizens with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) must present their Employment Authorization Document (EAD), commonly referred to as the TPS card, for employment verification, which serves as proof of their legal right to work in the United States. The TPS card contains essential information such as the individual's name, photo, alien registration number, and employment authorization dates, making it a critical document for completing Form I-9 requirements. |
| 5 | Asylum Approval Notice (I-797) | The Asylum Approval Notice (Form I-797) serves as critical evidence for non-citizens to prove their authorization to work in the United States during employment verification. Employers rely on this document to confirm the individual's legally recognized asylum status and eligibility for employment under USCIS guidelines. |
| 6 | DACA Approval Notice | Non-citizens with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status must present their DACA Approval Notice (Form I-797) as primary evidence of employment authorization during verification. This document, combined with a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766), satisfies Form I-9 requirements for lawful employment in the United States. |
| 7 | Advance Parole Document | A non-citizen requires an Advance Parole Document as part of their employment verification to legally work in the United States while maintaining permission to re-enter after international travel. This document serves as proof of authorized temporary travel and re-entry, which complements Form I-9 requirements for employment eligibility verification. |
| 8 | Refugee Travel Document | A non-citizen seeking employment verification must present a Refugee Travel Document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which serves as valid proof of identity and employment authorization. This document is recognized under Form I-9 requirements, confirming the individual's eligibility to work legally in the U.S. through evidence of refugee status. |
| 9 | Machine Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV) | A Machine Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV) serves as a critical document for non-citizens during employment verification, providing proof of lawful permanent residency status. The MRIV contains encoded personal and immigration data that facilitates quick, accurate verification in compliance with Form I-9 requirements. |
| 10 | Form I-551 Stamp (ADIT Stamp) | The Form I-551 Stamp, also known as the ADIT Stamp, serves as temporary evidence of lawful permanent resident status for non-citizens and is crucial for employment verification under the Form I-9 process. This stamp must be presented alongside a government-issued photo ID to verify both identity and employment authorization for job eligibility in the United States. |
Introduction to Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)
Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) are essential for non-citizens to prove their eligibility to work in the United States. Your EAD serves as official proof that you have received permission from the government to work legally.
- What is an EAD? - An EAD is a card issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that grants non-citizens permission to work.
- Who needs an EAD? - Non-citizens who are not permanent residents but have authorization to work require an EAD for employment verification.
- How to use an EAD? - Employers use the EAD to verify your identity and eligibility when completing Form I-9 for employment verification.
Who Needs an Employment Authorization Document?
| Who Needs an Employment Authorization Document? |
|---|
| Non-citizens who are authorized to work in the U.S. but do not have permanent resident status typically require an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This includes individuals with certain visa types, asylum seekers, refugees, DACA recipients, and those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The EAD serves as proof of legal employment eligibility. |
| Documents Required for Employment Verification |
| Non-citizens must present valid documents to verify employment eligibility. The primary document for many is the Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766). Other acceptable documents include a valid foreign passport with a Form I-94 endorsing employment authorization, permanent resident card (green card), and certain visa types combined with employment authorization. |
| Your Role in Verification |
| If you are a non-citizen employee, presenting the correct documentation, such as the EAD, is essential for your employer's completion of Form I-9. This verification process ensures compliance with federal employment laws and confirms your eligibility to work in the United States. |
Types of Employment Authorization Documents for Non-Citizens
What types of employment authorization documents do non-citizens need for employment verification? Non-citizens must provide specific documents to prove their eligibility to work in the United States. Commonly used documents include the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and certain visa types that permit employment.
Which Employment Authorization Document is most commonly accepted for non-citizens? The Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) is the primary document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that grants temporary work authorization. It is recognized nationwide and used by various categories of non-citizens, including asylum seekers and certain visa holders.
Can non-citizens use visas as proof of employment authorization? Certain non-immigrant visas, such as H-1B, L-1, and O-1, inherently authorize employment and can serve as verification documents. Employers must verify that the visa status allows work in their specific field or for their company.
Are there secondary documents non-citizens can present for employment verification? Documents like Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) with an employment authorization notation or a Social Security card alongside an acceptable identity document can be used in combination. These documents help establish both identity and work eligibility.
What is the role of the Form I-9 in employment authorization for non-citizens? Form I-9 is mandatory for all employees and requires non-citizens to submit acceptable documentation that confirms identity and employment eligibility. Employers review Form I-9 documents, including employment authorization documents, to comply with federal regulations.
Eligibility Criteria for EAD Applications
Non-citizens seeking employment verification must provide specific documents to confirm their work authorization status. Eligibility criteria for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications include having a valid visa category or pending immigration status that permits employment in the United States. Your application must also include supporting documents such as proof of identity, current immigration status, and evidence of eligibility under an approved category.
Required Documentation for EAD Submission
Non-citizens must provide specific documents for employment verification to comply with legal requirements. Required documentation for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) submission includes Form I-765, a valid passport, and proof of current immigration status. Your submission must also include supporting evidence such as previous EADs, if applicable, to ensure a smooth verification process.
Step-by-Step EAD Application Process
Non-citizens must submit specific documents for employment verification to comply with legal requirements. The step-by-step Employment Authorization Document (EAD) application process ensures proper authorization.
- Form I-765 Completion - You begin by accurately filling out Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
- Supporting Evidence Submission - Provide necessary documents such as a copy of your passport, visa, and proof of your eligibility category.
- Biometrics Appointment - Attend any required biometric services appointment scheduled by USCIS to capture fingerprints and photographs.
Following these steps facilitates a smooth and timely EAD approval for employment verification purposes.
Renewal and Replacement of Employment Authorization Documents
Non-citizens require specific documents for employment verification, including valid Employment Authorization Documents (EAD). Renewal or replacement of these documents is essential to maintain lawful work status.
To renew your EAD, submit Form I-765 along with supporting evidence before the current card expires. Replacement is necessary if your document is lost, stolen, or damaged, using the same form and providing a detailed explanation.
Verification Procedures for Employers and E-Verify
Non-citizens must provide specific documents to verify their eligibility for employment in the United States. Employers use established verification procedures, including E-Verify, to confirm the authenticity of these documents.
- Form I-9 Compliance - Employers must complete the Form I-9 to document the non-citizen's identity and employment authorization.
- Acceptable Documents - Documents such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or valid foreign passport with work visa are required for verification.
- E-Verify Enrollment - Employers enrolled in E-Verify electronically confirm the employee's eligibility by matching information against government databases.
Common Challenges and How to Address EAD Issues
Non-citizens must present specific documents for employment verification, such as a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD), passport, or Form I-94. Employers rely on these documents to complete Form I-9 and confirm work eligibility.
Common challenges with EADs include expiration dates, document fraud, and discrepancies in personal information. Employers should regularly review EAD validity and use the USCIS E-Verify system to address these issues efficiently.
What Documents Does a Non-Citizen Need for Employment Verification? Infographic
