Last Updated on May 11, 2022 by Fair Punishment Team
It is true that federal law requires all employers to be able to verify the identity of new hires to be absolutely sure that they are allowed to work in the United States. Employers will need to deduct payroll taxes on the behalf of the federal, and also the state, and also the local governments too.
This will be to your benefit, and you will be establishing a record of earnings which will then be used to calculate your Social Security benefits when you reach the age where you can retire. So, let’s talk about all of the documentation that you need in order to get a job.
Employment Eligibility Verification: the Form I-9
This is a document which is required by the United States Citizen and Immigration Services. This is something that is required for citizens and also for non-citizens, and there are portions that you have to complete this form as an employee, and you also need to ask your employer to complete some parts too.
In fact, the employer will also need to verify the documents that have been presented by the employee and they will also have to retain copies of the I-9 form in their files. It is true that I-9 forms need to be employed for inspection if it gets requested by government officers.
Let’s talk about acceptable documents
It is also up to employees themselves to choose what they present from lists of documents which are deemed to be acceptable by USCIS. Usually, you will need two forms of ID for a job, but there are three lists that you can choose from: you can choose the items from List A or you can choose items from List B and List C combined.
List A documents will establish both identity and also employment eligibility. These documents can include a U.S. passport or a U.S. passport card, or it can include a permanent resident card, or it can include an employment authorization document card.
List B documents help to establish identity, and these documents include a driver’s license, or a form of government-issued photo identification, or even school-issued photo ID. Another example of this would be a United States military card or draft record, or a military dependent ID card.
For those who are under the age of 18, and also for certain individuals with disabilities who do not have the above then other acceptable documents include a school record or a report card. A record from a doctor, from a clinic or also from a hospital is absolutely acceptable.
List C documents will establish employment authorization and these documents include your social security card, along with your original birth certificate or a certified copy. These documents can also include a consular report of birth abroad or the United States, or a department of state certification of birth abroad.
Let’s talk individual employer requirements
The kinds of documentation that are required on getting a job can be down to each individual employer. Ultimately, depending on the employer and also the position for which you are hired then you might be required to present other documents which are able to prove and verify your identity and also your qualifications.
Examples of these documents can include a union card, a professional license or certification, or even a diploma or school transcripts.
Will all employers ask for background checks?
Again, this is something which totally depends on the individual employer. Sure, some employers might not ask for background checks but there are some employers that might ask for background checks. In fact, some employers might even require fingerprinting, or just a background check – or employers might actually end up asking for both.
Actually, in most states employers are not actually permitted conduct or to even request a background check without your written consent. You can also refuse to authorize a background check or fingerprinting, but you can actually risk losing out on a job offer if you do not give employers permission to get the information which they are entitled to get from you.
What about credit reports and vaccination records?
This is another area that again depends on your state – an employer might actually be allowed to pull your credit record. It is also important to mention that bankruptcy filings are a matter of public record so employers are able to check that without having access to a credit report.
Confidentiality laws protect school and also medical records, this means that employers cannot actually access these without your consent. If you have any concerns about any of the requests for documentation made by a prospective employer then it is best to consult an attorney who is especially knowledgeable on the laws of your state.
Can you work in the United States without a social security number?
Social security numbers are used as a means of reporting our earnings to the United States of America government. Your social security number is needed on numerous important forms that are related to employment such as tax documents.
It is true that if you are new to the United States of America then you can work without a social security number temporarily, but you must apply for a number with the social security administration as soon as possible. This is something that you will have to provide to your employer upon receipt and within 90 days of starting your job.
You can start to work without a social security number as long as you have an employment authorization document, however you will need to keep hold of the number and provide this to your employer later.
In conclusion
So, to summarize everything that we have outlined in this piece – the federal law requires employers to be able to verify the identity of new hires. This is so that they can be sure that they are eligible for work in the United States of America.
Being able to provide documents of identification will be to your benefit in the long run because you can establish a record of earnings which will be used to calculate your social security benefits when you get to the age where you are ready to retire.
