Last Updated: April 2026
Researched by the I9AuditReady Research Team
I-9 List A Documents — Identity and Employment Authorization (2026)
List A documents establish both an employee's identity and their authorization to work in the United States with a single document. USCIS recognizes 7 List A documents for Form I-9 as of the current USCIS instructions (Rev. 08/01/23). When an employee presents a List A document, employers may not request additional documents.
All 7 List A Documents
Each document below proves both identity and employment authorization. All must be presented unexpired.
| Document |
|---|
| U.S. Passport U.S. Department of State Identity + Employment Auth |
| U.S. Passport Card U.S. Department of State Identity + Employment Auth |
| Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Identity + Employment Auth |
| Foreign Passport with Form I-94 (Temporary I-551 Stamp or MRIV) Foreign government + U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Identity + Employment Auth |
| Foreign Passport with Form I-551 Stamp or MRIV Foreign government + USCIS Identity + Employment Auth |
| Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Identity + Employment Auth |
| Passport from Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) or Republic of the Marshall Islands with Form I-94 FSM or RMI government + U.S. Customs and Border Protection Identity + Employment Auth |
List A Document Details
U.S. Passport
Issued by: U.S. Department of State · USCIS I-9 Instructions, List A #1
Unexpired. Accepted for all U.S. citizens and nationals.
U.S. Passport Card
Issued by: U.S. Department of State · USCIS I-9 Instructions, List A #2
Unexpired. Wallet-sized card; valid for domestic air travel and land/sea border crossings.
Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
Issued by: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) · USCIS I-9 Instructions, List A #3
Also known as Green Card. Unexpired. Includes Alien Registration Receipt Card.
Foreign Passport with Form I-94 (Temporary I-551 Stamp or MRIV)
Issued by: Foreign government + U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) · USCIS I-9 Instructions, List A #4
Foreign passport must be unexpired. I-94 must contain an unexpired endorsement of alien's nonimmigrant status.
Foreign Passport with Form I-551 Stamp or MRIV
Issued by: Foreign government + USCIS · USCIS I-9 Instructions, List A #5
For permanent residents awaiting I-551 card issuance. Stamp must not be expired.
Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)
Issued by: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) · USCIS I-9 Instructions, List A #6
Commonly called EAD card. Must be unexpired. Requires reverification upon expiration.
Passport from Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) or Republic of the Marshall Islands with Form I-94
Issued by: FSM or RMI government + U.S. Customs and Border Protection · USCIS I-9 Instructions, List A #7
Applies under the Compact of Free Association. Passport must be unexpired with a valid I-94 indicating nonimmigrant admission.
Frequently Asked Questions About List A Documents
What are the List A documents for Form I-9?
USCIS recognizes 7 List A documents for Form I-9. These are: (1) U.S. Passport, (2) U.S. Passport Card, (3) Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551, also called a Green Card), (4) Foreign Passport with Form I-94 containing employment authorization endorsement, (5) Foreign Passport with Form I-551 stamp or MRIV, (6) Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766, also called an EAD card), and (7) Passport from the Federated States of Micronesia or Republic of the Marshall Islands with Form I-94. All documents must be unexpired.
Does a U.S. Passport work for I-9 verification?
Yes. A valid (unexpired) U.S. Passport is a List A document for Form I-9. It proves both the employee's identity and their authorization to work in the United States. When an employee presents a U.S. Passport, no additional List B or List C documents may be requested.
Does a Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) satisfy I-9 requirements?
Yes. An unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551, commonly called a Green Card) is a List A document. It proves both identity and employment authorization for lawful permanent residents. The card must be unexpired; however, employers cannot re-verify the I-9 when a Green Card expires — lawful permanent residents have continuing employment authorization.
What is an EAD card and is it acceptable for I-9?
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD), officially Form I-766, is a USCIS-issued card that proves both identity and employment authorization. It is a List A document. EAD cards have expiration dates and require reverification (Form I-9 Section 3) before the expiration date. Employers should set alerts 90 days before EAD expiration to ensure reverification is completed on time.
Can a foreign passport be used as an I-9 List A document?
A foreign passport alone is not a List A document. However, a foreign passport combined with a valid Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) containing an employment authorization endorsement qualifies as a List A document. The foreign passport must be unexpired and the I-94 must show an unexpired nonimmigrant status that authorizes employment.
Track EAD expirations before they become violations
EAD cards (Form I-766) expire and require reverification. I9AuditReady alerts you at 90, 60, and 30 days so you never miss a Section 3 deadline.
Get Expiration Alerts FreeI9AuditReady provides compliance tracking tools, not legal advice. Document lists are based on USCIS Form I-9 instructions (Rev. 08/01/23). Laws and guidance can change. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice on your specific situation.