The primary source document used to verify employment authorization in the United States is the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as Form I-766. Issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the EAD serves as official proof that an individual is authorized to work legally in the country. Employers are required to examine this document during the Form I-9 process to ensure compliance with employment eligibility verification.
Introduction to Employment Authorization Verification
Employment authorization verification is a crucial step in the immigration process to ensure individuals have the legal right to work in the United States. Understanding the source document used for this verification helps streamline compliance with federal regulations.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) - The primary source document used to verify employment authorization is the Employment Authorization Document, commonly known as the EAD or Form I-766.
- Issued by USCIS - This card is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and confirms that the holder is authorized to work temporarily in the U.S.
- Verification Requirement - Employers must review this document to complete Form I-9, ensuring that Your employment eligibility is properly documented and verified.
Importance of Source Documents in Immigration Compliance
| Source Document | Purpose | Importance in Immigration Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-9 | Verifies an employee's identity and employment authorization | Primary document used by employers to ensure employees are authorized to work in the United States, preventing unauthorized employment. |
| Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766) | Proof of an individual's authorization to work in the U.S. | Critical source document that confirms temporary permission to work, required for non-citizens without permanent resident status. |
| U.S. Passport or Passport Card | Proof of citizenship and work authorization | Serves as definitive evidence of employment eligibility, simplifying verification processes. |
| Permanent Resident Card (Green Card, Form I-551) | Confirms lawful permanent resident status and work authorization | Indicates ongoing eligibility to work and live legally in the United States, essential for compliance. |
| Social Security Card | Used in combination with other documents to verify work authorization | Must be presented alongside identity documents; helps confirm valid employment authorization. |
| Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization (Forms N-560, N-561, N-570, N-571) | Proof of U.S. citizenship and employment eligibility | Strengthens verification by confirming citizenship, ensuring compliance with federal work authorization laws. |
Understanding which source document to present is vital for employment verification. Your compliance with immigration regulations depends on accurate documentation. Proper use of these documents safeguards against legal risks and enforces lawful hiring practices.
Primary Employment Authorization Documents
The primary source document used to verify employment authorization is the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as Form I-766. This card is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and serves as evidence that the holder is legally allowed to work in the United States. You can present the EAD to employers as proof of your employment eligibility.
Secondary Documents for Verification Purposes
What source document is used to verify employment authorization through secondary documents for verification purposes? Secondary documents include a Social Security card, a school ID with a photograph, or a voter registration card. These documents support identity but cannot be used alone to establish employment authorization.
Acceptable List A Documents: Proof of Identity and Authorization
To verify employment authorization, employers must examine acceptable documents listed under List A, which serve as proof of both identity and employment eligibility. These documents provide a combined verification to satisfy form I-9 requirements efficiently.
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card - Serves as evidence of both citizenship and authorization to work in the United States.
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - Confirms lawful permanent resident status along with employment authorization.
- Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) - Issued by USCIS to prove temporary permission to work in the U.S.
Employers must ensure that List A documents are unexpired and genuine to maintain compliance with employment verification laws.
Acceptable List B and List C Documents: Supplementary Evidence
To verify employment authorization, employers use specific source documents outlined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The verification process involves examining documents from List A or combined documents from List B and List C.
List B documents establish identity but do not prove work authorization, such as a state-issued driver's license or a school ID card. List C documents provide evidence of employment authorization, including a Social Security card without restrictions or a birth certificate paired with a List B identity document.
Document Expiration and Ongoing Compliance
The primary source document used to verify employment authorization in the United States is the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as Form I-766. Employers must confirm that this document is current and has not expired to ensure ongoing compliance with employment verification laws.
Employers are required to reverify employment authorization before the EAD expiration date to maintain lawful hiring practices. Failure to monitor document expiration can result in penalties for employing unauthorized workers, making ongoing compliance essential.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Verification - The EAD serves as official proof of a foreign national's legal right to work in the U.S.
- Document Expiration Date - Employers must track the expiration date to avoid hiring unauthorized workers once the EAD is no longer valid.
- Ongoing Compliance Responsibilities - Employers must reverify employment authorization prior to document expiration to adhere to federal immigration laws.
Procedures for Authenticating Source Documents
To verify employment authorization, the primary source document used is the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. Employers must examine original documents that establish both identity and employment authorization, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a U.S. Passport. Procedures for authenticating these documents include carefully comparing the physical security features, ensuring the document is unexpired, and confirming the information matches the employee's details on Form I-9.
Common Challenges in Document Verification
The primary source document used to verify employment authorization in the United States is the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. Employers must review acceptable identification documents listed on the form to confirm an individual's eligibility to work.
Common challenges in document verification include the presence of counterfeit or expired documents. You may also encounter issues when documents do not match the employee's name or contain unclear information, complicating the verification process.
What Source Document Is Used to Verify Employment Authorization? Infographic
