Form I-9 List of Acceptable Documents: A Comprehensive Guide
The Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, is a crucial document for employers in the United States. It ensures that employees are authorized to work in the country by verifying their identity and employment authorization. One of the key aspects of the Form I-9 process is the list of acceptable documents that employees must provide to prove their eligibility. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the Form I-9 list of acceptable documents, helping employers and employees navigate the process effectively.
Understanding the Purpose of Form I-9
The Form I-9 serves several important purposes. Firstly, it ensures that employers are complying with federal regulations regarding employment eligibility. Secondly, it helps to prevent identity theft and document fraud by verifying the authenticity of the documents presented. Lastly, it creates a record of the employment eligibility verification process for future reference.
The Form I-9 List of Acceptable Documents
The Form I-9 list of acceptable documents is divided into three categories: List A, List B, and List C. Each category consists of specific documents that can be used to establish both identity and employment authorization.
List A: Documents That Establish Both Identity and Employment Authorization
List A includes documents that can be used to establish both identity and employment authorization in a single step. Examples of List A documents include:
– U.S. Passport
– Unexpired foreign passport with I-551 stamp or I-551 document
– Unexpired permanent resident card (Form I-551)
– Unexpired employment authorization document (Form I-766)
– Unexpired temporary resident card (Form I-688)
– Unexpired foreign passport with a visa that indicates the holder is authorized to work in the United States
List B: Documents That Establish Identity and One Document That Establishes Employment Authorization
List B consists of documents that can establish identity and one additional document that establishes employment authorization. Examples of List B documents include:
– Driver’s license or state ID card
– School ID card
– Military ID card
– Birth certificate
– Hospital birth record
List C: Documents That Establish Employment Authorization Only
List C includes documents that can be used to establish employment authorization only. Examples of List C documents include:
– Social Security card
– Tax return with a photograph
– Pay stub with a photograph
Important Considerations for Employers and Employees
When completing the Form I-9, employers must carefully review the list of acceptable documents and ensure that employees provide the required documentation. It is essential to maintain confidentiality and security of the Form I-9 and its contents. Employers should also be aware of any changes to the Form I-9 list of acceptable documents, as these updates are made periodically by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Conclusion
The Form I-9 list of acceptable documents plays a vital role in the employment eligibility verification process. By understanding the different categories of documents and their requirements, employers and employees can ensure compliance with federal regulations and maintain a secure and efficient workplace. Always refer to the most current Form I-9 list of acceptable documents provided by the USCIS to stay informed and up-to-date.
