Sep 18, 2023
Although Form I-9 has changed through the years, its basic purpose has remained the same: to make sure those applying for work at a U.S. company are legally eligible to work in the United States. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services does give some flexibility in how job candidates prove both their identity and employment authorization. Documents in "List A" can prove both, so a candidate who shows a current U.S. passport, for example, doesn't have to show anything else.
Those who don't have "List A" documents can show one document from "List B," which establishes identity, and one from "List C," which establishes employment authorization. A common List C document is a Social Security card. However, as a recent government announcement has clarified, that Social Security card must be unrestricted.
What does that mean? Many employers may not have even seen a restricted card, but some cards will have one of the following restrictions entered on the front:
There is nothing inherently illegal about such a card, but it cannot be used to satisfy the authorization requirement for Form I-9.
However, let's say the candidate instead has one of the six other List C documents or one of the six List A documents. In that case, the question of the Social Security card is moot. Indeed, the form is very clear that employers cannot specify which documents it would like as proof. As long as candidates provide the right document or combination of documents, the employer cannot say, "I also want to see your Social Security card for I-9 purposes to make sure it's unrestricted."
However, if a candidate does show a restricted Social Security card and cannot present an acceptable substitute, you must reject them.
The E-Verify system has more information on its site. And Form I-9, available in PDF on the USCIS site, also reminds both employers and candidates that Social Security cards must be unrestricted.
©2023
Aug 27, 2026
The pandemic reshaped how and where work gets done, disrupting the U.S. office market and accelerating the shift toward remote and hybrid models. While return-to-office efforts have focused on productivity, collaboration and culture, they have also been influenced by practical concerns such as long-term leases and underused office space. Read through to see how hybrid work continues to evolve.
Aug 26, 2026
Your company has terminated an employee — and now you're bracing for what they might say about their former workplace online. Social media can turn a disgruntled former worker into a very public critic. Read through for an overview of ways to prevent disparagement through culture and policy, deter it with a nondisparagement clause and respond to it with legal help.
Aug 25, 2026
Employers, including small businesses, that provide paid family and medical leave to their employees may be eligible for an employer tax credit. Read through to read about several new enhancements to this credit under the Working Families Tax Cuts.
Aug 24, 2026
No matter what the size of the organization, all businesses face the threat of cybersecurity attacks. Small businesses in particular feel vulnerable to cyberattacks. Read through for a discussion about what small businesses are doing to secure their data.
Jul 30, 2026
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the business structure you choose when you start your company is essential. You want the structure to align with your business goals, and you want to understand how profits will be taxed and what personal assets may be at risk. Read through to explore these distinctions further.
Jul 29, 2026
Businesses must have all employees fill out a Form I-9 to ensure they are eligible to work in the United States. A Social Security card can be part of the proof, but not in all instances. Read through to avoid making a serious mistake.
More News & Press can be found in our Archive.
