Form I-9: New List A Document Requirements Explained

Key Takeaways

• Form I-9 requires original documents proving both identity and work authorization for all U.S. employees.
• List A, B, and C documents cover different combinations of identity and work authorization; strict rules apply.
• Employers and employees face penalties for using expired, incorrect, or fake documents with Form I-9.

When starting a new job in the United States 🇺🇸, one of the most important steps is filling out Form I-9. This form checks that each person hired is who they say they are and that they have permission to work in the country. Employers must ask their new employees to show certain official documents as proof. These documents show either both a person’s identity and right to work, or each separately. The rules for what documents you can use are strict. If you don’t use the right ones, you might not be able to start working, or the employer could face trouble with the government.

Most people don’t know all the details about which documents are actually allowed. This guide, based on official lists and requirements from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), goes over every document you can use to complete Form I-9. It explains the differences between List A, List B, and List C documents, who needs them, and why they’re important. That way, you can be ready, avoid mistakes, and know your rights and responsibilities.

Why Does Form I-9 Matter?

Form I-9 helps the government stop people without permission from working in the United States 🇺🇸. Every employer has to use this form for each person they hire, even if they are a citizen, a permanent resident, or a foreign worker. Checking the right documents is the main way employers meet this requirement.

USCIS, the government agency in charge of immigration services, sets the rules for what documents workers can use. It makes sure these rules are clear so workers don’t get left out and employers don’t accidentally break the law.

VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals that not knowing which documents you can use is one of the top reasons new hires have trouble or delays in starting a job.

The Three Types of Documents: List A, B, and C

There are three main groups of documents you can use for Form I-9: List A, List B, and List C. Knowing the difference is key:

• List A: Documents from this list prove both who you are and that you’re allowed to work. If you use something from this list, you don’t need anything else.
• List B: These documents only show who you are.
• List C: These documents only show you can work.

If you don’t have a document from List A, you will need one document from List B (identity) and one from List C (work authorization).

Let’s look closely at each list and the documents in them.

List A: Documents Proving Both Identity and Work Authorization

If you have a document from List A, you’re all set with just this one item. You only need to bring one of the following:

• U.S. Passport or Passport Card: This proves you are a U.S. citizen, and it’s strong proof for both identity and work permission.
• Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551): Also called a Green Card. This lets you work and live in the United States 🇺🇸 forever. If you have this, you don’t need anything else.
• Alien Registration Receipt Card (also Form I-551): This is another name for the Green Card.
• Foreign passport with temporary I-551 stamp or machine-printed I-551: Sometimes, if you just became a permanent resident, you’ll get this. The stamp counts as proof until you get your full card.
• Employment Authorization Document with photo (Form I-766): If you have special permission to work—like if you’re a student or have asylum status—this is usually the card you get.
• Foreign passport with Form I-94 or I-94A with work authorization: Some people here for work on a visa will have a foreign passport and an arrival record (Form I-94) showing what kind of work they’re allowed to do and for how long.
• Passport from the Federated States of Micronesia 🇫🇲 or the Republic of the Marshall Islands 🇲🇭 with Form I-94 or I-94A: Citizens from these countries have special rules because of an agreement with the United States 🇺🇸 called the Compact of Free Association.

Important Notes for List A:

• Most List A items must not be expired. Always check the expiration date.
• If you have a work permit card (Form I-766), it’s very different from a regular work visa or visa stamp. The Form I-766 is recognized across all Form I-9 checks.
• Some documents look very similar to each other but serve different purposes—double-check names and numbers.

List B: Documents Proving Identity Only

If you don’t have anything from List A, you must choose one document from List B plus one from List C. List B documents show who you are but don’t prove that you’re allowed to work in the United States 🇺🇸.

For people aged 18 or older, options include:

• Driver’s license or state ID: Must be issued by a U.S. state, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam 🇬🇺, American Samoa 🇦🇸, U.S. Virgin Islands 🇻🇮, Northern Mariana Islands 🇲🇵, or a Canadian 🇨🇦 provincial authority. Must have either your photo or information like name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address.
• ID card from federal, state, or local government: As long as it meets the photo or information requirements above.
• School ID card with photo: Colleges, high schools, and some technical schools offer these.
• Voter registration card: Proof you can vote in the United States 🇺🇸.
• U.S. military card or draft record: Given to those serving or who have served.
• Military dependent’s ID card: For spouses or children of service members.
• U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card: For workers on U.S. ships or boats.
• Native American tribal document: Given by a recognized tribe.

For E-Verify employers, only List B documents with a photo are okay. E-Verify is a special online tool some employers use to check work authorization even faster.

If you’re under 18 and can’t get one of the above, you can use:

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

List C: Documents Proving Employment Authorization Only

List C documents show you have the right to work but don’t prove your identity alone. So if you use one from List C, you still need a document from List B.

Here’s what counts for List C:

1. Social Security Account Number Card: Only if it doesn’t say “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT,” “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION,” or “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION.” If it says any of those, it does not prove work authorization by itself.
2. Certification of Birth Abroad by the U.S. Department of State: Forms DS-1350, FS-545, or FS-240 are all accepted.
3. Original or certified copy of birth certificate: Must be from a U.S. state, city, county, or territory, and must have an official seal.
4. Native American tribal document
5. U.S. Citizen Identification Card (Form I-197)
6. ID Card for Use of Resident Citizen in the United States 🇺🇸 (Form I-179)
7. Employment authorization document issued by the Department of Homeland Security: This does not include the Form I-766, which is a List A document.

Again, always check for expiration dates. Most documents must be current, not expired.

Receipts: When Documents Are Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

Sometimes people lose their documents or have them stolen or damaged. In these cases, the government allows you to use a receipt showing you have applied for a replacement. But this is just temporary. You must show the actual document usually within 90 days (or 3 days after the document arrives). The rules about receipts are strict, so don’t wait too long.

Quick Table: What Goes with Each List?

This table helps you quickly check which document(s) you need. For more information, the USCIS Form I-9 Acceptable Documents page has photos, longer explanations, and extra details.

Key Form I-9 Reminders

It’s important to pay careful attention when filling out Form I-9. Here’s what to watch for:

• All documents must be original (not copies), except for certified copies of birth certificates.
• Do not accept expired documents unless the rules specifically allow it (for certain COVID-19 flexibilities or receipts).
• Do not accept more documents than needed—only one from List A, or one from List B plus one from List C.
• Employers can’t decide which documents you give—it’s up to the employee.
• E-Verify rules are stricter for some documents; always check the employer’s instructions.

How This Affects Different Groups

Different groups of people deal with these requirements in their own ways:

• U.S. Citizens: Most use a passport, driver’s license plus Social Security card, or birth certificate.
• Permanent Residents: They usually use the Green Card (Form I-551).
• Nonimmigrant Workers: Often provide a foreign passport with Form I-94 showing their visa status.
• Immigrants with work permission: Bring their Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) or other DHS employment authorization documents.
• Minors: Special exceptions apply under age 18, such as using a report card.

Even if you fall into a group not listed above, you are still covered by the Form I-9 rules. The key is to bring the right papers and know your rights.

How to Get Ready: Step-by-Step

1. Check the list above. Find out which documents you have that are listed.
2. Make sure they’re not expired. Expired documents (except for certain receipts) won’t work.
3. Gather your original documents. Photocopies are no good (unless a certified birth certificate).
4. Bring your papers on your first day or before your third day of work. Employers have to fill out Form I-9 within three business days of your start date.
5. If there’s a problem, ask your HR or hiring person. They should know the latest rules or where to look them up, like the Handbook for Employers M-274.

What If You Show the Wrong Documents or Miss the Deadline?

If you cannot show the right documents within three business days, your employer may have to stop you from working until you bring them. If you give expired or fake documents, it could lead to bigger problems, even losing your job or facing government trouble.

Employers can face big penalties if they accept the wrong documents or do not fill out Form I-9 properly. That’s why it’s important for both workers and companies to check the Form I-9 rules directly from the government.

Always Use the Right, Updated Forms

The government updates Form I-9 from time to time. Always check that you use the most current version. The official Form I-9 page has the latest form.

Final Thoughts

Making sure you bring the right documents for Form I-9 can seem hard, but it’s actually a clear, step-by-step process if you use the official lists and double-check your paperwork before your first day. The three lists—List A, List B, and List C—cover all main types of workers and situations. Form I-9 protects both employees and employers by making sure everyone who works in the United States 🇺🇸 is legally allowed to do so.

If you’re ever unsure, or need more details about which document counts, check the USCIS I-9 Acceptable Documents page or speak to your employer’s HR department. Staying informed keeps your job safe and your employer in good standing.

If you remember one thing, it’s this: always check your documents against the latest official list, and don’t guess. For any change in your status, or if you lose your documents, act fast so you don’t miss your work deadlines.

Resources:

• USCIS I-9 Acceptable Documents
• Official Form I-9

Last updated: June 2024

Learn Today

Form I-9 → A mandatory U.S. employment form used to verify a new hire’s identity and authorization to work.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; the federal agency overseeing lawful immigration and work verification.
List A Document → An original document that proves both identity and authorization to work for Form I-9 purposes.
Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) → A photo ID issued by USCIS for individuals with temporary permission to work in the U.S.
Form I-94 → A record of arrival/departure issued to nonimmigrant visitors, showing visa status and authorized stay in the U.S.

This Article in a Nutshell

Starting a job in the U.S. means completing Form I-9, which verifies identity and work authorization. Bring original, unexpired documents—one from List A or a combination from Lists B and C. Understanding document requirements avoids job delays or legal issues. Always use the latest USCIS guidance for compliance.
— By VisaVerge.com

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