Employment Verification I-9 in Downey: Work Authorization Documentation Guide
Understanding Form I-9 requirements for employers and employees in Los Angeles County
Quick Answer
Downey, a diverse city in southeast Los Angeles County, has a thriving business community and many immigrant workers. Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, is required for every employee hired in the United States. Understanding this process helps both employers maintain compliance and employees prove their work authorization.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Downey, a diverse city in southeast Los Angeles County, has a thriving business community and many immigrant workers. Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, is required for every employee hired in the United States. Understanding this process helps both employers maintain compliance and employees prove their work authorization.
What is Form I-9?
Key Points:
• Required for ALL employees, including U.S. citizens
• Must be completed within 3 business days of hire
• Employer must physically examine original documents
• Form must be retained for specific time periods
• Penalties for non-compliance can be severe
Acceptable I-9 Documents
| List A (Identity + Work Auth) | List B (Identity Only) | List C (Work Auth Only) |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Passport or Passport Card | Driver's license | Social Security Card (unrestricted) |
| Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | State ID card with photo | Birth certificate (U.S.) |
| Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | School ID with photo | Certification of Birth Abroad |
| Foreign passport with I-551 stamp | Voter registration card | Employment authorization (USCIS issued) |
| Foreign passport with I-94 work authorized | U.S. military ID | Form I-94 with work authorization |
I-9 Timeline Requirements
- 1Day 1 (First Day of Work)
Employee completes Section 1 of Form I-9
- 2Days 1-3
Employer examines documents and completes Section 2
- 3Ongoing
Re-verify expiring work authorization (Section 3)
- 4Retention
Keep I-9 for 3 years after hire OR 1 year after termination (whichever is later)
Common I-9 Mistakes to Avoid
- •Accepting photocopies instead of original documents
- •Specifying which documents an employee must present
- •Not completing Form I-9 within 3 business days
- •Failing to re-verify expiring employment authorization
- •Not retaining I-9s for the required period
- •Accepting documents that don't reasonably appear genuine
- •Over-documentation (asking for more documents than required)
- •Discrimination based on citizenship or national origin
Receipts and Work Authorization Gaps
Acceptable Receipts:
• Receipt for replacement of lost/stolen/damaged document
• Receipt for I-551 (temporary green card evidence)
• I-94 with refugee admission stamp
Important: Receipts are valid for 90 days. The actual document must be presented before the receipt expires.
Work Authorization Gaps: If an employee's EAD expires and renewal is pending, they may present a 180-day automatic extension letter with their expired EAD.
Our Document Services
For Employees:
• Certified translations of foreign documents
• Understanding which documents you can use
• Replacing lost immigration documents
• Tracking EAD renewal status
For Employers:
• I-9 compliance training
• Document verification guidance
• Understanding re-verification requirements
• Translation services for employment records
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I use my expired green card for I-9?
A: No, expired green cards are not acceptable for I-9 purposes. However, if you have a pending I-90 renewal with USCIS, you may use your expired card along with the I-797 receipt notice as a List A document for 12 months.
Q:What if my EAD hasn't arrived but my work authorization is still valid?
A: If you filed for EAD renewal before your current EAD expired, you may be eligible for a 180-day automatic extension. Present your expired EAD with the I-797C receipt notice.
Q:Can my employer ask for specific documents?
A: No, employers cannot specify which documents you must present. You choose which acceptable documents to provide. Requiring specific documents may be considered discrimination.
Q:Do U.S. citizens need to complete I-9?
A: Yes, Form I-9 is required for ALL employees, including U.S. citizens. Citizens can present a U.S. passport (List A) or driver's license + birth certificate (List B + C).
Q:Can documents be in a foreign language?
A: Documents in foreign languages may need certified translations. However, some documents like foreign passports with USCIS stamps are acceptable without translation for I-9 purposes.
Need I-9 Document Help?
Our team helps employees and employers in Downey with document translations and I-9 compliance questions.
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