Proof of Expenses Needs to Be Turned in Within 30 Days to Continue Eligibility

Employees must provide documentation to their employers to show their identity and authorization to work.

Documents that Establish Both Identity and Employment Authorization

The documents on List A show both identity and employment authorization. Employees presenting an acceptable List A document should not be asked to present any other document. Some List A documents are in fact a combination of 2 or more documents. In these cases, the documents presented together count as one List A document.

U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card

Front of Sample Passport Card

Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card

On May 1, 2017, USCIS began issuing redesigned cards that no longer display the individual's signature. However, some cards issued after May 1, 2017, may still display the previous format. Both the previous and new cards will remain valid until the expiration date shown on the card. These cards are also known as "Green Cards."

Permanent Resident Card:

Image of the front of a Permanent Resident Card

Image of the back of the current Permanent Resident Card

The previous version of the cards was issued after April 30, 2010, and may or may not contain a signature. A signature is not required for the card to be valid for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.

Previous Permanent Resident Card with signature:

Sample front of previous Permanent Resident Card with signature

Sample Previous Permanent Resident Card back with signature

Permanent Resident Card with notation, "Signature Waived":

Image of the Front of a Permanent Resident Card with the signature waived

Image of the back of a current Permanent Resident Card with the signature waived

Additionally, a Permanent Resident Card with a USCIS-issued sticker extending its validity is a List A document and acceptable for Form I-9.

USCIS sticker validating the month and year extension of the Permanent Resident Card.

Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document Card

USCIS began issuing the current card on May 1, 2017. However, some cards issued after May 1, 2017, may still display the previous format. Both the previous and new cards will remain valid until the expiration date shown on the card.

Employment Authorization Document:

Front view of an Employment Authorization Card

Back view of current Employment Authorization Card

Foreign passport with Form I-94 or Form I-94A with Arrival-Departure Record, and containing an endorsement to work

A foreign passport must be accompanied by a Form I-94/94A Arrival-Departure Record bearing the same name as the passport and containing an endorsement of the individual's nonimmigrant status and authorization to work for a specific employer based on this status.

This document may only be used if the period of endorsement has not yet expired and the proposed employment does not conflict with any restrictions or limitations listed on Form I-94 or I-94A, Arrival-Departure Record. Note: Some individuals who present this List A document, such as certain nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors, must present additional documentation in order to prove their work authorization in the U.S.

In April 2013, Form I-94 was automated at airports and seaports. U.S. Customs and Border Protection no longer automatically provides travelers with a paper copy of Form I-94. Travelers may access Form I-94 information through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website or may request a paper Form I-94 during the inspection process.

Image of a Foreign Passport Cover

Sample electronic Form I-94 issued from CBP

Sample from I94 filled out by CBP

Passport from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) or the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) with Form I-94 or Form I-94A

Passport must be presented with Form I-94 or Form I-94A showing nonimmigrant admission under the Compact of Free Association Between the U.S. and the FSM or RMI.

Cover of Micronesia passport

Image of a Republic of Marshall Islands Passport

Foreign passport containing a Form I-551 stamp or Form I-551 printed notation

Passport must contain a temporary Form I-551 stamp or temporary Form I-551 printed notation on a machine-readable immigrant visa (MRIV).

This document is subject to reverification.

Image of a Foreign Passport Cover

Sample of Form I551 Stamp

Sample US Visa page inside a foreign passport

Documents that Establish Identity

The documents on List B establish only identity. Employees who choose to present a List B document must also present a document from List C for Section 2. Employees may present one of the following unexpired List B documents:

Driver's License

Driver's license or identification card issued by a state or outlying territory of the U.S., provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color and address.

Picture of a Mississippi Drivers License

Picture of a State of Mississippi ID card

ID card issued by federal, state or local government agencies or entities, provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color and address
School ID card with a photograph
Voter registration card
U.S.military card or draft record
Military dependent's ID card
U.S.Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) card
Native American tribal document
Driver's license issued by a Canadian government authority

Acceptable List B Documents for individuals under the age of 18 who are unable to present a document listed above:

School record or report card
Clinic, doctor or hospital record
Day care or nursery school record

For minors under the age of 18 and certain individuals with disabilities who are unable to produce any of the listed identity documents, special notations may be used in place of a List B document.

The documents in List C only establish employment authorization.

Employees who choose to present a List C document must also provide a document from List B, evidence of identity, for Section 2.

Employees may present one of the following unexpired List C documents:

U.S. Social Security account number card

U.S. Social Security account number card that is unrestricted. A laminated card is acceptable. A card that includes any of the following restrictive wording is not an acceptable List C document:

NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT
VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION
VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION

Picture of a Sample Social Security Card

Form FS-240, Consular Report of Birth Abroad

Image of a Form FS-240, Consular Report of Birth Abroad

Form FS-545, Certification of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State

Image of Certificate of Birth Abroad FS 545

Form DS-1350, Certification of Report of Birth issued by the U.S. Department of State

Image of a form DS-1350 Birth Abroad Certificate

Original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority or outlying territory of the United States bearing an official seal

Image of a sample United States birth certificate

Native American tribal document

Form I-197, U.S. Citizen ID Card

Sample of Form I-197, U.S. Citizen ID Card

Form I-179, Identification Card for Use of Resident Citizen in the United States

Image of a Form I-179, Identification Card for Use of Resident Citizen in the United States

Employment authorization document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Some employment authorization documents issued by DHS include but are not limited to Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record issued to asylees or work-authorized nonimmigrants (for example, H-1B nonimmigrants) because of their immigration status, Form I-571, Refugee Travel Document (PDF), an unexpired Form I-327, Reentry Permit , Form N-560, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Form N-561, Replacement Certificate of Citizenship (PDF, 40.3 KB), or Form N-550, Certificate of Naturalization or Form N-570, Replacement Certificate of Naturalization (PDF, 176.3 KB). A Form I-797 issued to a conditional resident may be an acceptable List C document in combination with his or her expired Form I-551. Form I-9 contact center can assist with questions on DHS-issued documents.

Handbook for Employers M-274, Guidance for Completing Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification Form
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List B Documents