A Newly Hired Employee Just Showed Me a Permanent Resident Card that Says “Signature Waived” Under the Picture. Is This an Acceptable I-9 Document?

It is now, yes.  The Department of Homeland Security’s immigration division (USCIS) recently announced a change to the list of documents that would be acceptable for completing Section 2 of the Form I-9.  The change originated in a change to the way in which USCIS issues some Permanent Resident cards.  Specifically, in February of 2015 USCIS began issuing cards with a “Signature Waived” stamp below the picture.  The practice has been confirmed and these cards are acceptable List A documents, as they convey both work authority and the employee’s identity.

Here is a picture of the card, provided by USCIS for training purposes.  As an aside – note the name of the person is “Yellow Tulip.” Seemingly even ominous government agencies can show signs of levity.

Thompson Coe and myHRgenius Tip of the Week is not intended as a solicitation, does not constitute legal advice, and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.