Employers must collect specific documents for I-9 employment verification to confirm an employee's identity and work authorization. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a Permanent Resident Card, or a combination of a driver's license and a Social Security card. Providing original, unexpired documents from the Lists of Acceptable Documents ensures compliance with federal regulations.
What Documents Are Needed for I-9 Employment Verification?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card | A U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card serves as an acceptable List A document for I-9 employment verification, establishing both identity and employment authorization in one document. Employers must ensure the passport or passport card is unexpired and appears genuine to comply with Form I-9 requirements. |
| 2 | Permanent Resident Card (Green Card, Form I-551) | The Permanent Resident Card (Green Card, Form I-551) serves as a primary document for I-9 employment verification, establishing both identity and employment authorization for employees in the United States. Employers must examine the unexpired Green Card to ensure it is genuine and relates to the employee presenting it during the hiring process. |
| 3 | Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766) | The Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766) serves as a crucial document for I-9 employment verification, proving an individual's legal authorization to work in the United States. Employers must examine the EAD's security features and validity dates to ensure compliance with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations during the hiring process. |
| 4 | Foreign Passport with I-551 Stamp or MRIV | A Foreign Passport with an I-551 Stamp or a Machine Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV) serves as valid documentation for I-9 employment verification, proving both identity and employment authorization. Employers must ensure this document is unexpired and authentic to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines. |
| 5 | Form I-94 with Foreign Passport | The I-9 employment verification process requires a Form I-94 with a foreign passport to establish both identity and employment authorization for non-U.S. citizens. Employers must ensure the Form I-94 is valid and unexpired, as it verifies the employee's lawful admission and eligibility to work in the United States. |
| 6 | State Driver’s License or ID Card | A valid State Driver's License or ID Card serves as a primary List B document for I-9 employment verification, proving an employee's identity but not their work authorization. Employers must pair this with a List C document, such as a Social Security card or birth certificate, to complete the I-9 form requirements. |
| 7 | School ID Card with Photograph | A School ID card with a photograph can be accepted as a List B document for I-9 employment verification, proving the employee's identity but not their authorization to work. Employers must still collect a List C document, such as a Social Security card, to establish employment eligibility. |
| 8 | U.S. Military Card or Draft Record | The U.S. Military Card or Draft Record serves as a valid List A document for I-9 employment verification, proving both identity and employment authorization. Employers must examine the original card and record the document title, issuing authority, document number, and expiration date, if applicable, to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements. |
| 9 | Native American Tribal Document | Native American Tribal Documents accepted for I-9 employment verification include Tribal enrollment cards, certificates of Indian blood, or other official documentation issued by a federally recognized tribe. These documents establish both identity and employment authorization, satisfying the requirements of List A or List C on the Form I-9. |
| 10 | Social Security Card (Unrestricted) | The Social Security Card (unrestricted) serves as a primary document for I-9 employment verification, proving the employee's authorization to work in the United States when presented alone or with other acceptable documents. This card must display the individual's full name and Social Security number without any restrictions such as "Not Valid for Employment," ensuring compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations. |
| 11 | Birth Certificate (Original or Certified Copy) | The I-9 Employment Verification requires employees to present a birth certificate that is either an original or a certified copy to establish identity and employment authorization. Acceptable birth certificates must be issued by a U.S. government authority and include the employee's full name, date of birth, and place of birth for compliance with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) standards. |
| 12 | U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197) | The U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197) serves as an acceptable List A document for I-9 Employment Verification, establishing both identity and employment authorization for employees. Employers must ensure the card is unexpired and physically examine it to verify authenticity during the Form I-9 process. |
| 13 | Employment Authorization from DHS | Employment authorization from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is verified through the I-9 form, requiring documents such as a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766), or a foreign passport with a valid I-94 showing employment authorization. Employers must ensure these documents are unexpired and relate directly to the employee to comply with federal employment verification standards. |
| 14 | Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) | The Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) serves as an acceptable List C document for I-9 employment verification, confirming the employee's U.S. citizenship when other documents are not available. Employers must ensure the Form FS-240 is original and unexpired to meet the requirements of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for identity and employment eligibility verification. |
| 15 | U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card | The U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card serves as an acceptable List A document for I-9 employment verification, proving both identity and employment authorization. Employers must ensure the card is unexpired and properly inspected to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services guidelines. |
Introduction to I-9 Employment Verification
The I-9 Employment Verification form is a mandatory requirement for all employers in the United States to verify the identity and employment authorization of new hires. This process ensures compliance with federal immigration laws and helps prevent unauthorized employment. Your accurate submission of the required documents is essential for successful verification and legal hiring.
Legal Requirements for I-9 Compliance
What documents are needed for I-9 employment verification? Employers must verify the identity and employment authorization of new hires using acceptable documents listed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These documents are categorized into List A, B, and C, each serving to prove identity and/or employment authorization as required by federal law.
Which documents can an employee present to satisfy I-9 requirements? An employee can present either one List A document, which establishes both identity and employment authorization, or one document from List B (identity) together with one document from List C (employment authorization). Common List A documents include a U.S. passport or Permanent Resident Card; List B includes a driver's license; and List C includes a Social Security card.
Why is it critical to follow legal requirements for I-9 compliance? I-9 compliance ensures that employers do not knowingly hire unauthorized workers, which helps avoid penalties and legal consequences. Employers must complete and retain Form I-9 for all employees hired after November 6, 1986, and inspections by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) verify proper documentation and process adherence.
Who Must Complete the I-9 Form?
Every individual hired for employment in the United States must complete the I-9 form to verify their identity and employment authorization. The responsibility for completing this form applies to both employees and employers.
- New hires - All new employees must complete Section 1 of the I-9 form on or before their first day of work.
- Employers - Employers must complete Section 2 by examining documents that prove identity and employment eligibility within three business days of hiring.
- Rehires and reverifications - Employers must complete or update the I-9 form for rehires within three years of the original completion date or if employment authorization expires.
You must ensure the I-9 form is properly completed and retained as required by law.
Key Sections of the I-9 Form Explained
The I-9 Employment Verification process requires specific documents to confirm your identity and employment authorization. Employers must review original documents from List A or a combination of documents from List B and List C.
The key sections of the I-9 form include Section 1, where the employee provides personal information and attests to their work eligibility. Section 2 is completed by the employer, who examines the presented documents and records their details.
List of Acceptable I-9 Documents: Overview
The I-9 Employment Verification requires specific documents to confirm your identity and employment eligibility in the United States. Employers must review acceptable documents as defined by USCIS to complete this process accurately.
The List of Acceptable I-9 Documents is divided into three categories: List A, List B, and List C. List A documents establish both identity and employment authorization, while List B documents prove identity only, and List C documents establish employment eligibility only.
Documents That Establish Identity (List B)
The I-9 Employment Verification process requires specific documents to confirm your identity under List B. These documents help prove that you are authorized to work in the United States.
- State-issued driver's license - A valid driver's license shows your name and photograph for identity verification.
- State identification card - An official state ID card includes your photo and personal details to establish identity.
- School identification card - A school ID with a photograph can serve as proof of identity for employment purposes.
Documents That Establish Employment Authorization (List C)
Documents that establish employment authorization are required for the I-9 Employment Verification process. These List C documents prove an employee's legal right to work in the United States without establishing identity.
- Social Security Account Number Card - This card verifies an employee's authorization to work by displaying their unique SSN issued by the Social Security Administration.
- Birth Certificate - A U.S. state or territory-issued birth certificate confirms the employee's citizenship and employment eligibility.
- Certification of Report of Birth - Issued by the Department of State, this document certifies birth abroad to U.S. citizens, establishing employment authorization.
Combined Documents: Identity and Eligibility (List A)
| Combined Documents: Identity and Employment Eligibility (List A) | |
|---|---|
| U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card | Valid document proving both identity and employment authorization for U.S. citizens. |
| Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551) | Issued to lawful permanent residents, confirms identity and authorization to work in the United States. |
| Employment Authorization Document Card (Form I-766) | Issued to non-citizens authorized to work, serves as proof of identity and employment eligibility. |
| Foreign Passport with Form I-94 or Form I-94A | Contains temporary employment authorization; must be accompanied by the I-94 or I-94A showing nonimmigrant status. |
| Passport from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) or the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) | Must be accompanied by a Form I-94 or Form I-94A with employment authorization to verify identity and eligibility. |
Common Mistakes in I-9 Document Verification
Common mistakes in I-9 document verification include accepting expired documents, failing to properly examine document authenticity, and not completing the form within the required timeframe. Employers must ensure documents are original and relate directly to the employee's identity and authorization to work in the U.S. Reviewing documents carefully prevents compliance issues and potential legal penalties.
What Documents Are Needed for I-9 Employment Verification? Infographic
