In today’s fast-paced and globalized world, proper identification is crucial for a variety of purposes, from travel to employment. One important form of identification is a passport, which serves as a government-issued document that verifies a person’s identity and citizenship. However, passports can expire, and when they do, questions arise about their validity for other uses, such as employment verification.
One common form of employment verification in the United States is the Form I-9, which is used by employers to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the country. The form requires employees to present certain documents that establish their identity and work eligibility, with a list of acceptable documents provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
One question that often arises is whether an expired passport can be used for Form I-9 purposes. The answer to this question is not straightforward, as it depends on various factors and considerations.
According to the USCIS, an expired passport is not considered a valid form of identification for Form I-9 purposes. This is because the form requires employees to present unexpired documents that establish their identity and work authorization. An expired passport, by definition, is no longer valid and therefore cannot be used to meet the requirements of the form.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. In certain circumstances, an expired passport may be accepted as a valid form of identification for Form I-9 purposes. These exceptions typically involve situations where an individual has applied for a renewal of their passport and is waiting for the new one to be issued. In such cases, the expired passport may be used as a List A document, provided that it is accompanied by a receipt showing that a renewal application has been filed with the appropriate government agency.
It is important to note that the acceptance of an expired passport for Form I-9 purposes is at the discretion of the employer. Employers have the right to request alternative forms of identification if they believe that the expired passport does not sufficiently establish the employee’s identity and work authorization. In such cases, employees may need to present other acceptable documents from the list provided by the USCIS.
It is also worth mentioning that the USCIS periodically updates the list of acceptable documents for Form I-9 purposes. Employers should stay informed about these updates and ensure that they are using the most current version of the form and the list of acceptable documents. This will help avoid any potential issues or discrepancies during the employment verification process.
In conclusion, an expired passport is generally not considered a valid form of identification for Form I-9 purposes. However, there are exceptions to this rule, particularly in cases where an individual has applied for a renewal of their passport. Employers have the discretion to accept or reject an expired passport as a valid form of identification, and employees should be prepared to present alternative documents if necessary. Staying informed about the latest updates and requirements from the USCIS is essential for both employers and employees to ensure a smooth and compliant employment verification process.
