When working in the United States, you must be able to prove your employment eligibility. This helps employers comply with federal laws that require them to verify every employee’s identity and legal work status. Most employers require you to submit specific forms to prove your eligibility. Here’s a breakdown of what those forms typically are and what certified translations may be required.
Seven Forms You Need to Prove Employment Eligibility
1. I-9 Form (Employment Eligibility Verification)
What It Is: The I-9 form is the key form used to verify your identity and eligibility to legally work in the U.S. This form is mandatory for anyone employed by a company.
Supporting Documents: Employees must present specific documents along with the I-9 form. These documents fall into three categories:
- List A: Documents that establish identity and employment authorization (e.g., U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Document).
- List B: Documents that establish identity (e.g., driver’s license or ID card).
- List C: Documents establishing employment authorization (e.g., Social Security card, birth certificate).
Certified Translations Needed: If any of your supporting documents are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a certified translation. Certified translations are legally recognized translations that assure accuracy and are typically done by professional translators or translation agencies, such as The Perfect Translation.
2. Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
What It Is: Non-U.S. citizens who are authorized to work may present an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Often issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this document authorizes employment for a specific period of time.
Certified Translations Needed: If you’re presenting a foreign government-issued ID or authorization document in another language, you must have it translated. Certified translations help employers confirm that the document genuinely authorizes you to work.
3. Social Security Card
What It Is: If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, a Social Security card can be used to prove your employment eligibility.
Certified Translations Needed: Social Security cards are typically issued in English; however, if you have any supplementary documents associated with it, such as name change records from another country, they may require translation.
4. Passport
What It Is: For many, a passport is a primary document that can be used in place of multiple other documents. A U.S. passport proves both your identity and work authorization.
Certified Translations Needed: For international employees, presenting a foreign passport may also be acceptable for I-9 verification, provided it is accompanied by a U.S. visa or employment authorization stamp. If the passport is not in English, certified translations are required.
5. Birth Certificate
What It Is: A birth certificate may serve as evidence of U.S. citizenship, helping prove your employment eligibility.
Certified Translations Needed: Non-English birth certificates must be translated by a certified translator. This ensures that critical details such as names, birthdates, and birthplaces are accurately represented in English.
6. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
What It Is: A green card provides authorization for non-U.S. citizens to work permanently in the United States.
Certified Translations Needed: Although the green card itself is in English, any associated foreign documents used in the application process may require certified translations.
7. Visas and Work Permits
What They Are: Certain visa types, like H-1B, L-1, and O-1, authorize non-citizens to work in specific roles or industries in the U.S.
Certified Translations Needed: If you have additional documents, such as foreign diplomas or employment histories from other countries, they may require certified translation to validate your employment eligibility.
When Certified Translations Are Essential to Prove Employment Eligibility
Certified translations assure both the employer and relevant authorities of the accuracy and authenticity of the translated documents. Here are a few situations where certified translations are typically necessary:
- Foreign Identity Documents: If your passport, ID card, or other identification is not in English, a certified translation is required for official use.
- International Education or Training Records: For roles that require proof of education or specialized training from foreign institutions, certified translations validate your credentials.
- Legal and Immigration Documents: Visas, residency permits, and immigration documents from non-English-speaking countries require certified translations for clarity and compliance.
How to Obtain Certified Translations
Certified translations should come from a reliable translation service or a translator who certifies that the translation is complete and accurate. The translation should be accompanied by a certificate signed by the translator, which attests to the accuracy of the translation and the translator’s qualifications.
Prove Your Employment Eligibility with The Perfect Translation
Proving your employment eligibility is essential when starting work in the U.S.; ensuring you have the correct forms and certified translations in place can make the process smoother. At The Perfect Translation, our team of experts has the experience and language skills to help you prove your legal work status. Contact us today for a free quote, and see how we can help simplify the hiring process.
Leave a Reply