You cannot start working using just your approval letter or your online self-check result. You must wait for the physical work permit to arrive in the mail and hand it to your employer.
“I was approved for a C9 EAD and have the approval notice, but I am still waiting for the physical card to arrive. My employment start date is coming up soon. Is there any way to provide alternative I-9 documentation so I can start working without waiting for the physical EAD card? I already did an E-Verify self-check with my SSN and A-Number which confirmed my eligibility.”
Summary
You can cross the worry of a denial off your list. The government approved your application, so your physical card is on its way.
Employers must verify your right to work using specific physical documents. Here is where your current documents stand.
The physical Employment Authorization Document is an acceptable document that proves both your identity and your right to work. You can present this to your employer as soon as it arrives.
The official letter approving your work permit is not an acceptable document for employment verification. A temporary rule that allowed employers to accept these letters expired in December 2020.
The online system confirms your eligibility, but it does not give you a work credential. Your employer still needs to see your physical documents.
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Why the approval letter and online check fall short
Employers use a specific form, called , to verify that you are allowed to work. To complete this form, you must show them physical documents from a strict government list.
Your shows that the government approved your . However, this letter is not on the list of acceptable documents. During the pandemic, the government temporarily allowed employers to accept these letters as a , but that special rule ended on December 1, 2020. Today, the letter alone is not enough.
You also mentioned using the . This tool is a great way to confirm your records are correct. However, the system does not give you a work credential. The rules state that a confirmed result from this tool does not replace your employer's responsibility to review your physical documents.
Next steps
Since you cannot use alternative documents, you must follow the standard process.
Wait for the physical card to arrive
The government mails the physical card to you after approving your application.
Present the card to your employer
Once you have the card in hand, show it to your employer. It serves as a , which means it proves both your identity and your right to work.
Legal sources
These facts come from the official employer handbook and updates from immigration law firms.
Foster Global Update
The temporary rule allowing employers to accept an approval letter expired on December 1, 2020.
The special provision allows a qualifying approval notice to be accepted as a List C document evidencing employment authorization through December 1, 2020.
Schwabe Update
Approval notices are normally never accepted instead of the original document.
Normally, approval notices may never be accepted instead of the original document.
E-Verify Self Check
The online self-check tool does not provide a work credential.
Neither Self Check nor myE-Verify provide users with a work authorization credential.
E-Verify Self Check
A confirmed online check does not replace the requirement to complete the physical verification form.
A new employee’s “work authorization confirmed” result from Self Check or the employee’s use of myE-Verify does not replace your responsibility to complete and retain the employee’s Form I-9.
Form I-9 Acceptable Documents
The physical work permit card is an acceptable document that proves both identity and employment authorization.
List A Documents Documents that Establish Both Identity and Employment Authorization ... 4. Employment Authorization Document that contains a photograph (Form I-766)
SettleKit is not a law firm. This is general guidance, not legal advice. Confirm these details with a licensed immigration attorney.
SettleKit is not a law firm and this is general information, not legal advice.
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