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Documentation Required to Work in the United States

PSI Team | Uncategorized

When starting a new job in the United States, employees must submit documents proving two things: their identity and their eligibility to work in the country. According to the Immigration Reform and Control Act, employers must complete the Form I-9 and review these documents in order to verify their new hires’ eligibility. It’s important for companies to know exactly what the employment verification process requires so that their hiring process is successful and efficient. Here is a guide to employment verification and the types of documentation required to work in the United States.

Proof of Identity

The first document required for the Form I-9 is proof of identity. These documents verify that the new employee is who they say they are. They may include:

  • Current U.S. or Canadian driver’s license
  • Local, state, or federal ID card that features a photograph
  • School ID card that features a photograph
  • Voter’s registration card
  • U.S. military card or draft record
  • Military dependent’s ID card
  • Native American tribal document

Proof of Eligibility

The other documentation required to work in the United States verifies that the new employee is authorized to work. Examples of this type of document include:

  • U.S. Social Security card
  • U.S. birth certificate
  • Native American tribal document
  • U.S. citizen or resident citizen ID card
  • Unexpired employment authorization document from the Department of Homeland Security

Documents that Prove Both

New employees may also present documentation that verifies both identity and work eligibility, such as:

  • Unexpired U.S. passport
  • Unexpired foreign passport with an I-551 stamp
  • Permanent resident card or alien registration receipt card
  • Unexpired employment authorization document with a photograph
  • Unexpired foreign passport with Form I-94 containing an endorsement of nonimmigrant status

I-9 and E-Verify

Because it’s unlawful to knowingly employ unauthorized workers, it’s important for companies to have a dependable employment verification process. You can further ensure your new employees’ information with E-Verify employment eligibility verification, which compares the information on the Form I-9 with data from the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration. Using E-Verify and other electronic I-9 services decreases the chance of errors and ensures your company has a legally authorized hiring process and workforce.