What documents are required to prove my immigration status is satisfactory for employment in California?

To prove your immigration status is satisfactory for employment in California, you must present specific, unexpired documents to your employer to complete the federal Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. The choice of which acceptable documents to provide is yours. Here's how to complete the employment verification process: Step 1: Complete Section 1 of Form I-9 Your employer must give you this federal form on or before your first day of employment. You must complete Section 1 by the end of your first day, where you will attest under penalty of perjury that you are authorized to work in the United States. Step 2: Choose Your Documents You must present documents that prove your identity and employment authorization. You can choose to present one document from "List A," or a combination of one document from "List B" and one from "List C." Your employer cannot legally specify which documents you must use. Step 3: Provide a List A Document (If Available) List A documents establish both identity and employment authorization. A single document from this list is sufficient. Common examples include an unexpired U.S. Passport, a Permanent Resident Card ("Green Card"), or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card). Step 4: Or, Provide a List B and a List C Document If you do not have a List A document, you must present two documents. A List B document establishes identity, such as a state driver's license or ID card. A List C document establishes employment authorization, such as a Social Security card or an original U.S. birth certificate. Step 5: Present Original Documents to Your Employer You must present your chosen documents to your employer within three business days of your start date. The documents must be original (no photocopies) and unexpired. Your employer will examine them and complete Section 2 of the Form I-9. Important considerations: Your employer is required to accept any document or combination of documents you present from the official "Lists of Acceptable Documents," as long as they appear reasonably genuine and relate to you. The complete, official list is available on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Warnings and limitations: An employer cannot legally demand more or different documents than are required by the Form I-9. It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you based on your citizenship status or national origin during this process. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, such as dealing with a lost document or a specific visa type, you should consult with a qualified immigration attorney.