8 CFR Part 274a

8 CFR Part 274a
Subpart A--Employer Requirements
274a.1
§ 274a.1 Definitions.
For the purpose of this part-274a.1(a)
(a) The term unauthorized alien means, with respect to employment of an alien at a particular time, that
the alien is not at that time either:
(1) Lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or
(2) authorized to be so employed by this Act or by the Attorney General;
274a.1(b)
(b) The term entity means any legal entity, including but not limited to, a corporation, partnership, joint
venture, governmental body, agency, proprietorship, or association;
274a.1(c)
(c) The term hire means the actual commencement of employment of an employee for wages or other
remuneration. For purposes of section 274A(a)(4) of the Act and 8 CFR 274a.5, a hire occurs when a
person or entity uses a contract, subcontract, or exchange entered into, renegotiated, or extended after
November 6, 1986 (or, with respect to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, after the
transition program effective date as defined in 8 CFR 1.1), to obtain the labor of an alien in the United
States, knowing that the alien is an unauthorized alien;
274a.1(d)
(d) The term refer for a fee means the act of sending or directing a person or transmitting
documentation or information to another, directly or indirectly, with the intent of obtaining
employment in the United States for such person, for remuneration whether on a retainer or
contingency basis; however, this term does not include union hiring halls that refer union members or
non-union individuals who pay union membership dues;
274a.1(e)
(e) The term recruit for a fee means the act of soliciting a person, directly or indirectly, and referring
that person to another with the intent of obtaining employment for that person, for remuneration

whether on a retainer or contingency basis; however, this term does not include union hiring halls that
refer union members or non-union individuals who pay union membership dues;
274a.1(f)
(f) The term employee means an individual who provides services or labor for an employer for wages or
other remuneration but does not mean independent contractors as defined in paragraph (j) of this
section or those engaged in casual domestic employment as stated in paragraph (h) of this section;
274a.1(g)
(g) The term employer means a person or entity, including an agent or anyone acting directly or
indirectly in the interest thereof, who engages the services or labor of an employee to be performed in
the United States for wages or other remuneration. In the case of an independent contractor or contract
labor or services, the term employer shall mean the independent contractor or contractor and not the
person or entity using the contract labor;
274a.1(h)
(h) The term employment means any service or labor performed by an employee for an employer within
the United States, including service or labor performed on a vessel or aircraft that has arrived in the
United States and has been inspected, or otherwise included within the provisions of the Anti-Reflagging
Act codified at 46 U.S.C. 8704, but not including duties performed by nonimmigrant crewmen defined in
sections 101 (a)(10) and (a)(15)(D) of the Act. However, employment does not include casual
employment by individuals who provide domestic service in a private home that is sporadic, irregular or
intermittent;
274a.1(i)
(i) The term State employment agency means any State government unit designated to cooperate with
the United States Employment Service in the operation of the public employment service system;
274a.1(j)
(j) The term independent contractor includes individuals or entities who carry on independent business,
contract to do a piece of work according to their own means and methods, and are subject to control
only as to results. Whether an individual or entity is an independent contractor, regardless of what the
individual or entity calls itself, will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Factors to be considered in
that determination include, but are not limited to, whether the individual or entity: supplies the tools or
materials; makes services available to the general public; works for a number of clients at the same
time; has an opportunity for profit or loss as a result of labor or services provided; invests in the facilities
for work; directs the order or sequence in which the work is to be done and determines the hours during
which the work is to be done. The use of labor or services of an independent contractor are subject to
the restrictions in section 274A(a)(4) of the Act and §274a.5 of this part;

274a.1(k)
(k) The term pattern or practice means regular, repeated, and intentional activities, but does not include
isolated, sporadic, or accidental acts;
274a.1(l)
274a.1(l)(1)
(l)(1) The term knowing includes not only actual knowledge but also knowledge which may fairly be
inferred through notice of certain facts and circumstances which would lead a person, through the
exercise of reasonable care, to know about a certain condition. Constructive knowledge may include,
but is not limited to, situations where an employer:
274a.1(l)(1)(i)
(i) Fails to complete or improperly completes the Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9;
274a.1(l)(1)(ii)
(ii) Has information available to it that would indicate that the alien is not authorized to work, such as
Labor Certification and/or an Application for Prospective Employer; or
274a.1(l)(1)(iii)
(iii) Acts with reckless and wanton disregard for the legal consequences of permitting another individual
to introduce an unauthorized alien into its work force or to act on its behalf.
274a.1(l)(2)
(2) Knowledge that an employee is unauthorized may not be inferred from an employee's foreign
appearance or accent. Nothing in this definition should be interpreted as permitting an employer to
request more or different documents than are required under section 274(b) of the Act or to refuse to
honor documents tendered that on their face reasonably appear to be genuine and to relate to the
individual.
274a.2
§ 274a.2 Verification of identity and employment eligibility.
274a.2(a)
(a) General. This section establishes requirements and procedures for compliance by persons or entities
when hiring, or when recruiting or referring for a fee, or when continuing to employ individuals in the
United States.
274a.2(a)(1)

(1) Recruiters and referrers for a fee. For purposes of complying with section 274A(b) of the Act and this
section, all references to recruiters and referrers for a fee are limited to a person or entity who is either
an agricultural association, agricultural employer, or farm labor contractor (as defined in section 3 of the
Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, Pub. L. 97-470 (29 U.S.C. 1802)).
274a.2(a)(2)
(2) Verification form. Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification Form, is used in complying with the
requirements of this 8 CFR 274a.1--274a.11. Form I-9 can be in paper or electronic format. In paper
format, the Form I-9 may be obtained in limited quantities at USCIS district offices, or ordered from the
Superintendent of Documents, Washington, DC 20402. In electronic format, a fillable electronic Form I-9
may be downloaded from http://www.uscis.gov. Alternatively, Form I-9 can be electronically generated
or retained, provided that the resulting form is legible; there is no change to the name, content, or
sequence of the data elements and instructions; no additional data elements or language are inserted;
and the standards specified under 8 CFR 274a.2(e), (f), (g), (h), and (i), as applicable, are met. When
copying or printing the paper Form I-9, the text of the two-sided form may be reproduced by making
either double-sided or single-sided copies.
274a.2(a)(3)
(3) Attestation Under Penalty and Perjury. In conjunction with completing the Form I-9, an employer or
recruiter or referrer for a fee must examine documents that evidence the identity and employment
eligibility of the individual. The employer or recruiter or referrer for a fee and the individual must each
complete an attestation on the Form I-9 under penalty of perjury.
274a.2(b)
(b) Employment verification requirements-274a.2(b)(1)
(1) Examination of documents and completion of Form I-9.
274a.2(b)(1)(i)
(i) A person or entity that hires or recruits or refers for a fee an individual for employment must ensure
that the individual properly:
(A) Completes section 1--"Employee Information and Verification"--on the Form I-9 at the time of hire
and signs the attestation with a handwritten or electronic signature in accordance with paragraph (h) of
this section; or if an individual is unable to complete the Form I-9 or needs it translated, someone may
assist him or her. The preparer or translator must read the Form I-9 to the individual, assist him or her in
completing Section 1--"Employee Information and Verification," and have the individual sign or mark the
Form I-9 by a handwritten signature, or an electronic signature in accordance with paragraph (h) of this
section, in the appropriate place; and

(B) Present to the employer or the recruiter or referrer for a fee documentation as set forth in
paragraph (b)(1)(v) of this section establishing his or her identity and employment eligibility within the
time limits set forth in paragraphs (b)(1)(ii) through (b)(1)(v) of this section.
274a.2(b)(1)(ii)
(ii) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(1)(viii) of this section, an employer, his or her agent, or anyone
acting directly or indirectly in the interest thereof, must within three business days of the hire:
(A) Physically examine the documentation presented by the individual establishing identity and
employment eligibility as set forth in paragraph (b)(1)(v) of this section and ensure that the documents
presented appear to be genuine and to relate to the individual; and
(B) Complete section 2 - "Employer Review and Verification" - on the Form I-9 within three business days
of the hire and sign the attestation with a handwritten signature or electronic signature in accordance
with paragraph (i) of this section.
274a.2(b)(1)(iii)
(iii) An employer who hires an individual for employment for a duration of less than three business days
must comply with paragraphs (b)(1)(ii)(A) and (b)(1)(ii)(B) of this section at the time of the hire. An
employer may not accept a receipt, as described in paragraph (b)(1)(vi) of this section, in lieu of the
required document if the employment is for less than three business days.
274a.2(b)(1)(iv)
(iv) A recruiter or referrer for a fee for employment must comply with paragraphs (b)(1)(ii)(A) and
(b)(1)(ii)(B) of this section within three business days of the date the referred individual is hired by the
employer. Recruiters and referrers may designate agents to complete the employment verification
procedures on their behalf including but not limited to notaries, national associations, or employers. If a
recruiter or referrer designates an employer to complete the employment verification procedures, the
employer need only provide the recruiter or referrer with a photocopy or printed electronic image of
the Form I-9, electronic Form I-9, or a Form I-9 on microfilm or microfiche.
274a.2(b)(1)(v)
(v) The individual may present either an original document which establishes both employment
authorization and identity, or an original document which establishes employment authorization and a
separate original document which establishes identity. Only unexpired documents are acceptable. The
identification number and expiration date (if any) of all documents must be noted in the appropriate
space provided on the Form I-9.
274a.2(b)(1)(v)(A)
(A) The following documents, so long as they appear to relate to the individual presenting the
document, are acceptable to evidence both identity and employment eligibility:

(1) A United States passport;
(2) An Alien Registration Receipt Card or Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551);
(3) A foreign passport that contains a temporary I-551 stamp, or temporary I-551 printed notation on a
machine-readable immigrant visa;
(4) An Employment Authorization Document which contains a photograph (Form I-766);
(5) In the case of a nonimmigrant alien authorized to work for a specific employer incident to status, a
foreign passport with a Form I-94 or Form I-94A bearing the same name as the passport and containing
an endorsement of the alien's nonimmigrant status, as long as the period of endorsement has not yet
expired and the proposed employment is not in conflict with any restrictions or limitations identified on
the Form.
(6) A passport from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) or the Republic of the Marshall Islands
(RMI) with Form I-94 or Form I-94A indicating nonimmigrant admission under the Compact of Free
Association Between the United States and the FSM or RMI.
(7) In the case of an individual lawfully enlisted for military service in the Armed Forces under 10 U.S.C.
504, a military identification card issued to such individual may be accepted only by the Armed Forces.
274a.2(b)(1)(v)(B)
(B) The following documents are acceptable to establish identity only:
274a.2(b)(1)(v)(B)(1)
(1) For individuals 16 years of age or older:
(i) A driver's license or identification card containing a photograph, issued by a state (as defined in
section 101(a)(36) of the Act) or an outlying possession of the United States (as defined by section
101(a)(29) of the Act). If the driver's license or identification card does not contain a photograph,
identifying information shall be included such as: name, date of birth, sex, height, color of eyes, and
address;
(ii) School identification card with a photograph;
(iii) Voter's registration card;
(vi) U.S. military card or draft record;
(v) Identification card issued by federal, state, or local government agencies or entities. If the
identification card does not contain a photograph, identifying information shall be included such as:
name, date of birth, sex, height, color of eyes, and address;
(vi) Military dependent's identification card;

(vii) Native American tribal documents;
(viii) United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card;
(ix) Driver's license issued by a Canadian government authority;
274a.2(b)(1)(v)(B)(2)
(2) For individuals under age 18 who are unable to produce a document listed in paragraph
(b)(1)(v)(B)(1) of this section, the following documents are acceptable to establish identity only:
(i) School record or report card;
(ii) Clinic doctor or hospital record;
(iii) Daycare or nursery school record.
274a.2(b)(1)(v)(B)(3)
(3) Minors under the age of 18 who are unable to produce one of the identity documents listed in
paragraph (b)(1)(v)(B) (1) or (2) of this section are exempt from producing one of the enumerated
identity documents if:
(i) The minor's parent or legal guardian completes on the Form I-9 Section 1--"Employee Information
and Verification" and in the space for the minor's signature, the parent or legal guardian writes the
words, "minor under age 18."
(ii) The minor's parent or legal guardian completes on the Form I-9 the "Preparer/Translator
certification."
(iii) The employer or the recruiter or referrer for a fee writes in Section 2--"Employer Review and
Verification" under List B in the space after the words "Document Identification #" the words, "minor
under age 18."
274a.2(b)(1)(v)(B)(4)
(4) Individuals with handicaps, who are unable to produce one of the identity documents listed in
paragraph (b)(1)(v)(B) (1) or (2) of this section, who are being placed into employment by a nonprofit
organization, association or as part of a rehabilitation program, may follow the procedures for
establishing identity provided in this section for minors under the age of 18, substituting where
appropriate, the term "special placement" for "minor under age 18", and permitting, in addition to a
parent or legal guardian, a representative from the nonprofit organization, association or rehabilitation
program placing the individual into a position of employment, to fill out and sign in the appropriate
section, the Form I-9. For purposes of this section the term individual with handicaps means any person
who

(i) Has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person's major
life activities,
(ii) Has a record of such impairment, or
(iii) Is regarded as having such impairment.
274a.2(b)(1)(v)(C)
(C) The following are acceptable documents to establish employment authorization only:
(1) A Social Security account number card other than one that specifies on the face that the issuance of
the card does not authorize employment in the United States;
(2) Certification of Birth issued by the Department of State, Form FS-545;
(3) Certification of Report of Birth issued by the Department of State, Form DS-1350;
(4) An original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a State, county, municipal authority or
outlying possession of the United States bearing an official seal;
(5) Native American tribal document;
(6) United States Citizen Identification Card, Form I-197;
(7) Identification card for use of resident citizen in the United States, Form I-179;
(8) An employment authorization document issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
274a.2(b)(1)(v)(D)
(D) The following are acceptable documents to establish both identity and employment authorization in
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands only, for a two-year period starting from the
transition program effective date (as defined in 8 CFR 1.1), in addition to those documents listed in
paragraph (b)(1)(v)(A) of this section:
(1) In the case of an alien with employment authorization in the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands incident to status for a period of up to two years following the transition program
effective date that is unrestricted or otherwise authorizes a change of employer:
(i) The unexpired foreign passport and an Alien Entry Permit with red band issued to the alien by the
Department of Labor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands before the transition
program effective date, as long as the period of employment authorization has not yet expired, or
(ii) An unexpired foreign passport and temporary work authorization letter issued by the Department of
Labor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands before the transition program effective
date, and containing the name and photograph of the individual, as long as the period of employment

authorization has not yet expired and the proposed employment is not in conflict with any restrictions
or limitations identified on the Temporary Work Authorization letter;
(iii) An unexpired foreign passport and a permanent resident card issued by the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands.
274a.2(b)(1)(vi)
(vi) Special rules for receipts. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, unless the
individual indicates or the employer or recruiter or referrer for a fee has actual or constructive
knowledge that the individual is not authorized to work, an employer or recruiter or referrer for a fee
must accept a receipt for the application for a replacement document or a document described in
paragraphs (b)(1)(vi)(B)((1) and (b)(1)(vi)(C)((1) of this section in lieu of the required document in order
to comply with any requirement to examine documentation imposed by this section, in the following
circumstances:
274a.2(b)(1)(vi)(A)
(A) Application for a replacement document. The individual:
(1) Is unable to provide the required document within the time specified in this section because the
document was lost, stolen, or damaged;
(2) Presents a receipt for the application for the replacement document within the time specified in this
section; and
(3) Presents the replacement document within 90 days of the hire or, in the case of reverification, the
date employment authorization expires; or
274a.2(b)(1)(vi)(B)
(B) Form I-94 or I-94A indicating temporary evidence of permanent resident status. The individual
indicates in section 1 of the Form I-9 that he or she is a lawful permanent resident and the individual:
(1) Presents the arrival portion of Form I-94 or Form I-94A with an unexpired foreign passport containing
an unexpired "Temporary I-551" stamp and a photograph of the individual, which is designated for
purposes of this section as a receipt for Form I-551; and
(2) Presents the Form I-551 by the expiration date of the "Temporary I-551" stamp or, if the stamp or
statement has no expiration date, within one year from the issuance date of the arrival portion of the
Form I-94 or Form I-94A; or
274a.2(b)(1)(vi)(C)
(C) Form I-94 or I-94A indicating refugee status. The individual indicates in section 1 of the Form I-9 that
he or she is an alien authorized to work and the individual:

(1) Presents the departure portion of Form I-94 or Form I-94A containing an unexpired refugee
admission stamp, which is designated for purposes of this section as a receipt for the Form I-766, or a
social security account number card that contains no employment restrictions; and
(2) Presents, within 90 days of the hire or, in the case of reverification, the date employment
authorization expires, either an unexpired Form I-766, or a social security account number card that
contains no employment restrictions and a document described under paragraph (b)(1)(v)(B) of this
section.
274a.2(b)(1)(vii)
(vii) If an individual's employment authorization expires, the employer, recruiter or referrer for a fee
must reverify on the Form I-9 to reflect that the individual is still authorized to work in the United States;
otherwise the individual may no longer be employed, recruited, or referred. Reverification on the Form
I-9 must occur not later than the date work authorization expires. In order to reverify on the Form I-9,
the employee or referred individual must present a document that either shows continuing employment
eligibility or is a new grant of work authorization. The employer or the recruiter or referrer for a fee
must review this document, and if it appears to be genuine and relate to the individual, re-verify by
noting the document's identification number and expiration date, if any, on the Form I-9 and signing the
attestation by a handwritten signature or electronic signature in accordance with paragraph (i) of this
section.
274a.2(b)(1)(viii)
(viii) An employer will not be deemed to have hired an individual for employment if the individual is
continuing in his or her employment and has a reasonable expectation of employment at all times.
274a.2(b)(1)(viii)(A)
(A) An individual is continuing in his or her employment in one of the following situations:
(1) An individual takes approved paid or unpaid leave on account of study, illness or disability of a family
member, illness or pregnancy, maternity or paternity leave, vacation, union business, or other
temporary leave approved by the employer;
(2) An individual is promoted, demoted, or gets a pay raise;
(3) An individual is temporarily laid off for lack of work;
(4) An individual is on strike or in a labor dispute;
(5) An individual is reinstated after disciplinary suspension for wrongful termination, found unjustified
by any court, arbitrator, or administrative body, or otherwise resolved through reinstatement or
settlement;

(6) An individual transfers from one distinct unit of an employer to another distinct unit of the same
employer; the employer may transfer the individual's Form I-9 to the receiving unit;
(7) An individual continues his or her employment with a related, successor, or reorganized employer,
provided that the employer obtains and maintains from the previous employer records and Forms I-9
where applicable. For this purpose, a related, successor, or reorganized employer includes:
(i) The same employer at another location;
(ii) An employer who continues to employ some or all of a previous employer's workforce in cases
involving a corporate reorganization, merger, or sale of stock or assets;
(iii) An employer who continues to employ any employee of another employer's workforce where both
employers belong to the same multi-employer association and the employee continues to work in the
same bargaining unit under the same collective bargaining agreement. For purposes of this subsection,
any agent designated to complete and maintain the Form I-9 must record the employee's date of hire
and/or termination each time the employee is hired and/or terminated by an employer of the multiemployer association; or
(8) An individual is engaged in seasonal employment.
274a.2(b)(1)(viii)(B)
(B) The employer who is claiming that an individual is continuing in his or her employment must also
establish that the individual expected to resume employment at all times and that the individual's
expectation is reasonable. Whether an individual's expectation is reasonable will be determined on a
case-by-case basis taking into consideration several factors. Factors which would indicate that an
individual has a reasonable expectation of employment include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) The individual in question was employed by the employer on a regular and substantial basis. A
determination of a regular and substantial basis is established by a comparison of other workers who
are similarly employed by the employer;
(2) The individual in question complied with the employer's established and published policy regarding
his or her absence;
(3) The employer's past history of recalling absent employees for employment indicates a likelihood that
the individual in question will resume employment with the employer within a reasonable time in the
future;
(4) The former position held by the individual in question has not been taken permanently by another
worker;
(5) The individual in question has not sought or obtained benefits during his or her absence from
employment with the employer that are inconsistent with an expectation of resuming employment with

the employer within a reasonable time in the future. Such benefits include, but are not limited to,
severance and retirement benefits;
(6) The financial condition of the employer indicates the ability of the employer to permit the individual
in question to resume employment within a reasonable time in the future; or
(7) The oral and/or written communication between employer, the employer's supervisory employees
and the individual in question indicates that it is reasonably likely that the individual in question will
resume employment with the employer within a reasonable time in the future.
274a.2(b)(2)
(2) Retention and Inspection of Form I-9.
274a.2(b)(2)(i)
(i) A paper (with original handwritten signatures), electronic (with acceptable electronic signatures that
meet the requirements of paragraphs (h) and (i) of this section or original paper scanned into an
electronic format, or a combination of paper and electronic formats that meet the requirements of
paragraphs (e), (f), and (g) of this section), or microfilm or microfiche copy of the original signed version
of Form I-9 must be retained by an employer or a recruiter or referrer for a fee for the following time
periods:
(A) In the case of an employer, three years after the date of the hire or one year after the date the
individual's employment is terminated, whichever is later; or
(B) In the case of a recruiter or referrer for a fee, three years after the date of the hire.
274a.2(b)(2)(ii)
(ii) Any person or entity required to retain Forms I-9 in accordance with this section shall be provided
with at least three business days notice prior to an inspection of Forms I-9 by officers of an authorized
agency of the United States. At the time of inspection, Forms I-9 must be made available in their original
paper, electronic form, a paper copy of the electronic form, or on microfilm or microfiche at the location
where the request for production was made. If Forms I-9 are kept at another location, the person or
entity must inform the officer of the authorized agency of the United States of the location where the
forms are kept and make arrangements for the inspection. Inspections may be performed at an office of
an authorized agency of the United States. A recruiter or referrer for a fee who has designated an
employer to complete the employment verification procedures may present a photocopy or printed
electronic image of the Form I-9 in lieu of presenting the Form I-9 in its original paper or electronic form
or on microfilm or microfiche, as set forth in paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section. Any refusal or delay in
presentation of the Forms I-9 for inspection is a violation of the retention requirements as set forth in
section 274A(b)(3) of the Act. No Subpoena or warrant shall be required for such inspection, but the use
of such enforcement tools is not precluded. In addition, if the person or entity has not complied with a
request to present the Forms I-9, any officer listed in 8 CFR 287.4 may compel production of the Forms I-

9 and any other relevant documents by issuing a subpoena. Nothing in this section is intended to limit
the subpoena power under section 235(d)(4) of the Act.
274a.2(b)(2)(iii)
(iii) The following standards shall apply to Forms I-9 presented on microfilm or microfiche submitted to
an officer of the Service, the Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, or
the Department of Labor: Microfilm, when displayed on a microfilm reader (viewer) or reproduced on
paper must exhibit a high degree of legibility and readability. For this purpose, legibility is defined as the
quality of a letter or numeral which enables the observer to positively and quickly identify it to the
exclusion of all other letters or numerals. Readability is defined as the quality of a group of letters or
numerals being recognizable as words or whole numbers. A detailed index of all microfilmed data shall
be maintained and arranged in such a manner as to permit the immediate location of any particular
record. It is the responsibility of the employer, recruiter or referrer for a fee:
(A) To provide for the processing, storage and maintenance of all microfilm, and
(B) To be able to make the contents thereof available as required by law. The person or entity
presenting the microfilm will make available a reader-printer at the examination site for the ready
reading, location and reproduction of any record or records being maintained on microfilm. Readerprinters made available to an officer of the Service, the Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair
Employment Practices, or the Department of Labor shall provide safety features and be in clean
condition, properly maintained and in good working order. The reader-printers must have the capacity
to display and print a complete page of information. A person or entity who is determined to have failed
to comply with the criteria established by this regulation for the presentation of microfilm or microfiche
to the Service, the Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, or the
Department of Labor, and at the time of the inspection does not present a properly completed Form I-9
for the employee, is in violation of section 274A(a)(1)(B) of the Act and §274a.2(b)(2).
274a.2(b)(2)(iv)
(iv) Paragraphs (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i) of this section specify the standards for electronic Forms I-9.
274a.2(b)(3)
(3) Copying of documentation. An employer, or a recruiter or referrer for a fee may, but is not required
to, copy or make an electronic image of a document presented by an individual solely for the purpose of
complying with the verification requirements of this section. If such a copy or electronic image is made,
it must be retained with the Form I-9 or stored with the employee's records and be retrievable
consistent with paragraphs (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i) of this section. The copying or electronic imaging of
any such document and retention of the copy or electronic image does not relieve the employer from
the requirement to fully complete section 2 of the Form I-9. An employer, recruiter or referrer for a fee
should not, however, copy or electronically image only the documents of individuals of certain national
origins or citizenship statuses. To do so may violate section 274B of the Act.

274a.2(b)(4)
(4) Limitation on use of Form I-9. Any information contained in or appended to the Form I-9, including
copies or electronic images of documents listed in paragraph (c) of this section used to verify an
individual's identity or employment eligibility, may be used only for enforcement of the Act and sections
1001, 1028, 1546, or 1621 of title 18, United States Code.
274a.2(c)
(c) Employment verification requirements in the case of hiring an individual who was previously
employed.
274a.2(c)(1)
(1) When an employer hires an individual whom that person or entity has previously employed, if the
employer has previously completed the Form I-9 and complied with the verification requirements set
forth in paragraph (b) of this section with regard to the individual, the employer may (in lieu of
completing a new Form I-9) inspect the previously completed Form I-9 and:
(i) If upon inspection of the Form I-9, the employer determines that the Form I-9 relates to the individual
and that the individual is still eligible to work, that previously executed Form I-9 is sufficient for purposes
of section 274A(b) of the Act if the individual is hired within three years of the date of the initial
execution of the Form I-9 and the employer updates the Form I-9 to reflect the date of rehire; or
(ii) If upon inspection of the Form I-9, the employer determines that the individual's employment
authorization has expired, the employer must reverify on the Form I-9 in accordance with paragraph
(b)(1)(vii); otherwise the individual may no longer be employed.
274a.2(c)(2)
(2) For purposes of retention of the Form I-9 by an employer for a previously employed individual hired
pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the employer shall retain the Form I-9 for a period of three
years commencing from the date of the initial execution of the Form I-9 or one year after the
individual's employment is terminated, whichever is later.
274a.2(d)
(d) Employment verification requirements in the case of recruiting or referring for a fee an individual who
was previously recruited or referred.
(1) When a recruiter or referrer for a fee refers an individual for whom that recruiter or referrer for a fee
has previously completed a Form I-9 and complied with the verification requirements set forth in
paragraph (b) of this section with regard to the individual, the recruiter or referrer may (in lieu of
completing a new Form I-9) inspect the previously completed Form I-9 and:

(i) If upon inspection of the Form I-9, the recruiter or referrer for a fee determines that the Form I-9
relates to the individual and that the individual is still eligible to work, that previously executed Form I-9
is sufficient for purposes of section 274A(b) of the Act if the individual is referred within three years of
the date of the initial execution of the Form I-9 and the recruiter or referrer for a fee updates the Form
I-9 to reflect the date of rehire; or
(ii) If upon inspection of the Form I-9, the recruiter or referrer determines that the individual's
employment authorization has expired, the recruiter or referrer for a fee must reverify on the Form I-9
in accordance with paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section; otherwise the individual may no longer be
recruited or referred.
(2) For purposes of retention of the Form I-9 by a recruiter or referrer for a previously recruited or
referred individual pursuant to paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the recruiter or referrer shall retain the
Form I-9 for a period of three years from the date of the rehire.
274a.2(e)
(e) Standards for electronic retention of Form I-9.
274a.2(e)(1)
(1) Any person or entity who is required by this section to complete and retain Forms I-9 may complete
or retain electronically only those pages of the Form I-9 on which employers and employees enter data
in an electronic generation or storage system that includes:
(i) Reasonable controls to ensure the integrity, accuracy and reliability of the electronic generation or
storage system;
(ii) Reasonable controls designed to prevent and detect the unauthorized or accidental creation of,
addition to, alteration of, deletion of, or deterioration of an electronically completed or stored Form I-9,
including the electronic signature if used;
(iii) An inspection and quality assurance program evidenced by regular evaluations of the electronic
generation or storage system, including periodic checks of the electronically stored Form I-9, including
the electronic signature if used;
(iv) In the case of electronically retained Forms I-9, a retrieval system that includes an indexing system
that permits searches consistent with the requirements of paragraph (e)(6) of this section; and
(v) The ability to reproduce legible and readable hardcopies.
274a.2(e)(2)
(2) All documents reproduced by the electronic retention system must exhibit a high degree of legibility
and readability when displayed on a video display terminal or when printed on paper, microfilm, or
microfiche. The term "legibility" means the observer must be able to identify all letters and numerals

positively and quickly, to the exclusion of all other letters or numerals. The term "readability" means
that the observer must be able to recognize any group of letters or numerals that form words or
numbers as those words or complete numbers. The employer, or recruiter or referrer for a fee, must
ensure that the reproduction process maintains the legibility and readability of the electronically stored
document.
274a.2(e)(3)
(3) An electronic generation or storage system must not be subject, in whole or in part, to any
agreement (such as a contract or license) that would limit or restrict access to and use of the electronic
generation or storage system by an agency of the United States, on the premises of the employer,
recruiter or referrer for a fee (or at any other place where the electronic generation or storage system is
maintained), including personnel, hardware, software, files, indexes, and software documentation.
274a.2(e)(4)
(4) A person or entity who chooses to complete or retain Forms I-9 electronically may use one or more
electronic generation or storage systems. Each electronic generation or storage system must meet the
requirements of this paragraph, and remain available as long as required by the Act and these
regulations. Employers may implement new electronic storage systems provided:
(i) All systems meet the requirements of paragraphs (e), (f), (g), (h) and (i) of this section; and
(ii) Existing Forms I-9 are retained in a system that remains fully accessible.
274a.2(e)(5)
(5) For each electronic generation or storage system used, the person or entity retaining the Form I-9
must maintain, and make available upon request, complete descriptions of:
(i) The electronic generation and storage system, including all procedures relating to its use; and
(ii) The indexing system.
274a.2(e)(6)
(6) An ``indexing system'' for the purposes of paragraphs (e)(1)(iv) and (e)(5) of this section is a system
that permits the identification and retrieval for viewing or reproducing of relevant documents and
records maintained in an electronic storage system. For example, an indexing system might consist of
assigning each electronically stored document a unique identification number and maintaining a
separate database that contains descriptions of all electronically stored books and records along with
their identification numbers. In addition, any system used to maintain, organize, or coordinate multiple
electronic storage systems is treated as an indexing system. The requirement to maintain an indexing
system does not require that a separate electronically stored documents and records description
database be maintained if comparable results can be achieved without a separate description database.

274a.2(e)(7)
(7) Any person or entity choosing to retain completed Forms I-9 electronically may use reasonable data
compression or formatting technologies as part of the electronic storage system as long as the
requirements of 8 CFR 274a.2 are satisfied.
274a.2(e)(8)
(8) At the time of an inspection, the person or entity required to retain completed Forms I-9 must:
(i) Retrieve and reproduce (including printing copies on paper, if requested) only the Forms I-9
electronically retained in the electronic storage system and supporting documentation specifically
requested by an agency of the United States, along with associated audit trails. Generally, an audit trail
is a record showing who has accessed a computer system and the actions performed within or on the
computer system during a given period of time;
(ii) Provide a requesting agency of the United States with the resources (e.g., appropriate hardware and
software, personnel and documentation) necessary to locate, retrieve, read, and reproduce (including
paper copies) any electronically stored Forms I-9, any supporting documents, and their associated audit
trails, reports, and other data used to maintain the authenticity, integrity, and reliability of the records;
and
(iii) Provide, if requested, any reasonably available or obtainable electronic summary file(s), such as a
spreadsheet, containing all of the information fields on all of the electronically stored Forms I-9
requested by a requesting agency of the United States.
274a.2(f)
(f) Documentation.
274a.2(f)(1)
(1) A person or entity who chooses to complete and/or retain Forms I-9 electronically must maintain and
make available to an agency of the United States upon request documentation of the business processes
that:
(i) Create the retained Forms I-9;
(ii) Modify and maintain the retained Forms I-9; and
(iii) Establish the authenticity and integrity of the Forms I-9, such as audit trails.
274a.2(f)(2)
(2) Insufficient or incomplete documentation is a violation of section 274A(a)(1)(B) of the Act.
274a.2(f)(3)

(3) Any officer listed in 8 CFR 287.4 may issue a subpoena to compel production of any documentation
required by 8 CFR 274a.2. Nothing in this section is intended to limit the subpoena power of an agency
of the United States under section 235(d)(4) of the Act.
274a.2(g)
(g) Security.
274a.2(g)(1)
(1) Any person or entity who elects to complete or retain Forms I-9 electronically must implement an
effective records security program that:
(i) Ensures that only authorized personnel have access to electronic records;
(ii) Provides for backup and recovery of records to protect against information loss, such as power
interruptions;
(iii) Ensures that employees are trained to minimize the risk of unauthorized or accidental alteration or
erasure of electronic records; and
(iv) Ensure that whenever the electronic record is created, completed, updated, modified, altered, or
corrected, a secure and permanent record is created that establishes the date of access, the identity of
the individual who accessed the electronic record, and the particular action taken.
274a.2(g)(2)
(2) An action or inaction resulting in the unauthorized alteration, loss, or erasure of electronic records, if
it is known, or reasonably should be known, to be likely to have that effect, is a violation of section
274A(b)(3) of the Act.
274a.2(h)
(h) Electronic signatures for employee.
274a.2(h)(1)
(1) If a Form I-9 is completed electronically, the attestations in Form I-9 must be completed using a
system for capturing an electronic signature that meets the standards set forth in this paragraph. The
system used to capture the electronic signature must include a method to acknowledge that the
attestation to be signed has been read by the signatory. The electronic signature must be attached to, or
logically associated with, an electronically completed Form I-9. In addition, the system must:
(i) Affix the electronic signature at the time of the transaction;
(ii) Create and preserve a record verifying the identity of the person producing the signature; and

(iii) Upon request of the employee, provide a printed confirmation of the transaction to the person
providing the signature.
274a.2(h)(2)
(2) Any person or entity who is required to ensure proper completion of a Form I-9 and who chooses
electronic signature for a required attestation, but who has failed to comply with the standards set forth
in this paragraph, is deemed to have not properly completed the Form I-9, in violation of section
274A(a)(1)(B) of the Act and 8 CFR 274a.2(b)(2).
274a.2(i)
(i) Electronic signatures for employer, recruiter or referrer, or representative. If a Form I-9 is completed
electronically, the employer, the recruiter or referrer for a fee, or the representative of the employer or
the recruiter or referrer, must attest to the required information in Form I-9. The system used to
capture the electronic signature should include a method to acknowledge that the attestation to be
signed has been read by the signatory. Any person or entity who has failed to comply with the criteria
established by this regulation for electronic signatures, if used, and at the time of inspection does not
present a properly completed Form I-9 for the employee, is in violation of section 274A(a)(1)(B) of the
Act and 8 CFR 274a.2(b)(2).
274a.3
§ 274a.3 Continuing employment of unauthorized aliens.
An employer who continues the employment of an employee hired after November 6, 1986, knowing
that the employee is or has become an unauthorized alien with respect to that employment, is in
violation of section 274A(a)(2) of the Act.
274a.4
§ 274a.4 Good faith defense.
An employer or a recruiter or referrer for a fee for employment who shows good faith compliance with
the employment verification requirements of §274a.2(b) of this part shall have established a rebuttable
affirmative defense that the person or entity has not violated section 274A(a)(1)(A) of the Act with
respect to such hiring, recruiting, or referral.
274a.5
§ 274a.5 Use of labor through contract.
Any person or entity who uses a contract, subcontract, or exchange entered into, renegotiated, or
extended after November 6, 1986 (or, with respect to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, after the transition program effective date as defined in 8 CFR 1.1), to obtain the labor or
services of an alien in the United States knowing that the alien is an unauthorized alien with respect to

performing such labor or services, shall be considered to have hired the alien for employment in the
United States in violation of section 274A(a)(1)(A) of the Act.
274a.6
§ 274a.6 State employment agencies.
(a) General. Pursuant to sections 274A(a)(5) and 274A(b) of the Act, a state employment agency as
defined in §274a.1 of this part may, but is not required to, verify identity and employment eligibility of
individuals referred for employment by the agency. However, should a state employment agency choose
to do so, it must:
(1) Complete the verification process in accordance with the requirements of §274a.2(b) of this part
provided that the individual may not present receipts in lieu of documents in order to complete the
verification process as otherwise permitted by §274a.2(b)(1)(vi) of this part; and
(2) Complete the verification process prior to referral for all individuals for whom a certification is
required to be issued pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section.
(b) Compliance with the provisions of section 274A of the Act. A state employment agency which
chooses to verify employment eligibility of individuals pursuant to §274a.2(b) of this part shall comply
with all provisions of section 274A of the Act and the regulations issued thereunder.
(c) State employment agency certification. (1) A state employment agency which chooses to verify
employment eligibility pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section shall issue to an employer who hires an
individual referred for employment by the agency, a certification as set forth in paragraph (d) of this
section. The certification shall be transmitted by the state employment agency directly to the employer,
personally by an agency official, or by mail, so that it will be received by the employer within 21 business
days of the date that the referred individual is hired. In no case shall the certification be transmitted to
the employer from the state employment agency by the individual referred. During this period:
(i) The job order or other appropriate referral form issued by the state employment agency to the
employer, on behalf of the individual who is referred and hired, shall serve as evidence, with respect to
that individual, of the employer's compliance with the provisions of section 274A(a)(1)(B) of the Act and
the regulations issued thereunder.
(ii) In the case of a telephonically authorized job referral by the state employment agency to the
employer, an appropriate annotation by the employer shall be made and shall serve as evidence of the
job order. The employer should retain the document containing the annotation where the employer
retains Forms I-9.
(2) Job orders or other referrals, including telephonic authorizations, which are used as evidence of
compliance pursuant to paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section shall contain:
(i) The name of the referred individual;

(ii) The date of the referral;
(iii) The job order number or other applicable identifying number relating to the referral;
(iv) The name and title of the referring state employment agency official; and
(v) The telephone number and address of the state employment agency.
(3) A state employment agency shall not be required to verify employment eligibility or to issue a
certification to an employer to whom the agency referred an individual if the individual is hired for a
period of employment not to exceed 3 days in duration. Should a state agency choose to verify
employment eligibility and to issue a certification to an employer relating to an individual who is hired
for a period of employment not to exceed 3 days in duration, it must verify employment eligibility and
issue certifications relating to all such individuals. Should a state employment agency choose not to
verify employment eligibility or issue certifications to employers who hire, for a period not to exceed 3
days in duration, agency-referred individuals, the agency shall notify employers that, as a matter of
policy, it does not perform verifications for individuals hired for that length of time, and that the
employers must complete the identity and employment eligibility requirements pursuant to §274a.2(b)
of this part. Such notification may be incorporated into the job order or other referral form utilized by
the state employment agency as appropriate.
(4) An employer to whom a state employment agency issues a certification relating to an individual
referred by the agency and hired by the employer, shall be deemed to have complied with the
verification requirements of §274a.2(b) of this part provided that the employer:
(i) Reviews the identifying information contained in the certification to ensure that it pertains to the
individual hired;
(ii) Observes the signing of the certification by the individual at the time of its receipt by the employer as
provided for in paragraph (d)(13) of this section;
(iii) Complies with the provisions of §274a.2(b)(1)(vii) of this part by either:
(A) Updating the state employment agency certification in lieu of Form I-9, upon expiration of the
employment authorization date, if any, which was noted on the certification issued by the state
employment agency pursuant to paragraph (d)(11) of this section; or
(B) By no longer employing an individual upon expiration of his or her employment authorization date
noted on the certification;
(iv) Retains the certification in the same manner prescribed for Form I-9 in §274a.2(b)(2) of this part, to
wit, three years after the date of the hire or one year after the date the individual's employment is
terminated, whichever is later; and
(v) Makes it available for inspection to officers of the Service or the Department of Labor, pursuant to
the provisions of section 274A(b)(3) of the Act, and §274a.2(b)(2) of this part.

(5) Failure by an employer to comply with the provisions of paragraph (c)(4)(iii) of this section shall
constitute a violation of section 274A(a)(2) of the Act and shall subject the employer to the penalties
contained in section 274A(e)(4) of the Act, and §274a.10 of this part.
(d) Standards for state employment agency certifications. All certifications issued by a state employment
agency pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section shall conform to the following standards. They must:
(1) Be issued on official agency letterhead;
(2) Be signed by an appropriately designated official of the agency;
(3) Bear a date of issuance;
(4) Contain the employer's name and address;
(5) State the name and date of birth of the individual referred;
(6) Identify the position or type of employment for which the individual is referred;
(7) Bear a job order number relating to the position or type of employment for which the individual is
referred;
(8) Identify the document or documents presented by the individual to the state employment agency for
the purposes of identity and employment eligibility verification;
(9) State the identifying number or numbers of the document or documents described in paragraph
(d)(8) of this section;
(10) Certify that the agency has complied with the requirements of section 274A(b) of the Act
concerning verification of the identity and employment eligibility of the individual referred, and has
determined that, to the best of the agency's knowledge, the individual is authorized to work in the
United States;
(11) Clearly state any restrictions, conditions, expiration dates or other limitations which relate to the
individual's employment eligibility in the United States, or contain an affirmative statement that the
employment authorization of the referred individual is not restricted;
(12) State that the employer is not required to verify the individual's identity or employment eligibility,
but must retain the certification in lieu of Form I-9;
(13) Contain a space or a line for the signature of the referred individual, requiring the individual under
penalty of perjury to sign his or her name before the employer at the time of receipt of the certification
by the employer; and
(14) State that counterfeiting, falsification, unauthorized issuance or alteration of the certification
constitutes a violation of federal law pursuant to title 18, U.S.C. 1546.

(e) Retention of Form I-9 by state employment agencies. A Form I-9 utilized by a state employment
agency in verifying the identity and employment eligibility of an individual pursuant to §274a.2(b) of this
part must be retained by a state employment agency for a period of three years from the date that the
individual was last referred by the agency and hired by an employer. A state employment agency may
retain a Form I-9 either in its original form, or on microfilm or microfiche.
(f) Retention of state employment agency certifications. A certification issued by a state employment
agency pursuant to this section shall be retained:
(1) By a state employment agency, for a period of three years from the date that the individual was last
referred by the agency and hired by an employer, and in a manner to be determined by the agency
which will enable the prompt retrieval of the information contained on the original certification for
comparison with the relating Form I-9;
(2) By the employer, in the original form, and in the same manner and location as the employer has
designated for retention of Forms I-9, and for the period of time provided in paragraph (c)(4)(iv) of this
section.
(g) State employment agency verification requirements in the case of an individual who was previously
referred and certified. When a state employment agency refers an individual for whom the verification
requirements have been previously complied with and a Form I-9 completed, the agency shall inspect
the previously completed Form I-9:
(1) If, upon inspection of the Form, the agency determines that the Form I-9 pertains to the individual
and that the individual remains authorized to be employed in the United States, no additional
verification need be conducted and no new Form I-9 need be completed prior to issuance of a new
certification provided that the individual is referred by the agency within 3 years of the execution of the
initial Form I-9.
(2) If, upon inspection of the Form, the agency determines that the Form I-9 pertains to the individual
but that the individual does not appear to be authorized to be employed in the United States based on
restrictions, expiration dates or other conditions annotated on the Form I-9, the agency shall not issue a
certification unless the agency follows the updating procedures pursuant to §274a.2(b)(1)(vii) of this
part; otherwise the individual may no longer be referred for employment by the state employment
agency.
(3) For the purposes of retention of the Form I-9 by a state employment agency pursuant to paragraph
(e) of this section, for an individual previously referred and certified, the state employment agency shall
retain the Form for a period of 3 years from the date that the individual is last referred and hired.
(h) Employer verification requirements in the case of an individual who was previously referred and
certified. When an employer rehires an individual for whom the verification and certification
requirements have been previously complied with by a state employment agency, the employer shall
inspect the previously issued certification.

(1) If, upon inspection of the certification, the employer determines that the certification pertains to the
individual and that the individual remains authorized to be employed in the United States, no additional
verification need be conducted and no new Form I-9 or certification need be completed provided that
the individual is rehired by the employer within 3 years of the issuance of the initial certification, and
that the employer follows the same procedures for the certification which pertain to Form I-9, as
specified in §274a.2(c)(1)(i) of this part.
(2) If, upon inspection of the certification, the employer determines that the certification pertains to the
individual but that the certification reflects restrictions, expiration dates or other conditions which
indicate that the individual no longer appears authorized to be employed in the United States, the
employer shall verify that the individual remains authorized to be employed and shall follow the
updating procedures for the certification which pertain to Form I-9, as specified in §274a.2(c)(1)(ii) of
this part; otherwise the individual may no longer be employed.
(3) For the purposes of retention of the certification by an employer pursuant to this paragraph for an
individual previously referred and certified by a state employment agency and rehired by the employer,
the employer shall retain the certification for a period of 3 years after the date that the individual is last
hired, or one year after the date the individual's employment is terminated, whichever is later.
274a.7
§ 274a.7 Pre-enactment provisions for employees hired prior to November 7, 1986 or in the CNMI prior to
the transition program effective date6.
(a) For employees who are continuing in their employment and have a reasonable expectation of
employment at all times (as set forth in 8 CFR 274a.2(b)(1)(viii)), except those individuals described in 8
CFR 274a.2(b)(1)(viii)(A)(7)(iii) and (b)(1)(viii)(A)(8):
(1) The penalty provisions set forth in section 274A(e) and (f) of the Act for violations of sections
274A(a)(1)(B) and 274A(a)(2) of the Act shall not apply to employees who were hired prior to November
7, 1986.
(2) The penalty provisions set forth in section 274A(e) and (f) of the Act for violations of section
274A(a)(1)(B) of the Act shall not apply to employees who were hired in the CNMI prior to the transition
program effective date as defined in 8 CFR 1.1.
(b) For purposes of this section, an employee who was hired prior to November 7, 1986 (or if hired in
the CNMI, prior to the transition program effective date) shall lose his or her pre-enactment status if the
employee:
(1) Quits; or
(2) Is terminated by the employer; the term termination shall include, but is not limited to, situations in
which an employee is subject to seasonal employment; or

(3) Is excluded or deported from the United States or departs the United States under a grant of
voluntary departure; or
(4) Is no longer continuing his or her employment (or does not have a reasonable expectation of
employment at all times) as set forth in §274a.2(b)(1)(viii).
274a.8
§ 274a.8 Prohibition of indemnity bonds.
(a) General. It is unlawful for a person or other entity, in hiring or recruiting or referring for a fee for
employment of an individual, to require the individual to post a bond or security, to pay or agree to pay
an amount, or otherwise to provide a financial guarantee or indemnity, against any potential liability
arising under this part relating to such hiring, recruiting, or referring of the individual. However, this
prohibition does not apply to performance clauses which are stipulated by agreement between
contracting parties.
(b) Penalty. Any person or other entity who requires any individual to post a bond or security as stated
in this section shall, after notice and opportunity for an administrative hearing in accordance with
section 274A(e)(3)(B) of the Act, be subject to a civil monetary penalty of $1,000 for each violation
before September 29, 1999, and $1,100 for each violation occurring on or after September 29, 1999,
and to an administrative order requiring the return to the individual of any amounts received in
violation of this section or, if the individual cannot be located, to the general fund of the Treasury.
274a.9
§ 274a.9 Enforcement procedures.
274a.9(a)
(a) Procedures for the filing of complaints. Any person or entity having knowledge of a violation or
potential violation of section 274A of the Act may submit a signed, written complaint in person or by
mail to the Service office having jurisdiction over the business or residence of the potential violator. The
signed, written complaint must contain sufficient information to identify both the complainant and the
potential violator, including their names and addresses. The complaint should also contain detailed
factual allegations relating to the potential violation including the date, time and place of the alleged
violation and the specific act or conduct alleged to constitute a violation of the Act. Written complaints
may be delivered either by mail to the appropriate Service office or by personally appearing before any
immigration officer at a Service office.
274a.9(b)
(b) Investigation. The Service may conduct investigations for violations on its own initiative and without
having received a written complaint. When the Service receives a complaint from a third party, it shall
investigate only those complaints that have a reasonable probability of validity. If it is determined after

investigation that the person or entity has violated section 274A of the Act, the Service may issue and
serve a Notice of Intent to Fine or a Warning Notice upon the alleged violator. Service officers shall have
reasonable access to examine any relevant evidence of any person or entity being investigated.
274a.9(c)
(c) Warning notice. The Service and/or the Department of Labor may in their discretion issue a Warning
Notice to a person or entity alleged to have violated section 274A of the Act. This Warning Notice will
contain a statement of the basis for the violations and the statutory provisions alleged to have been
violated.
274a.9(d)
(d) Notice of Intent to Fine. The proceeding to assess administrative penalties under section 274A of the
Act is commenced when the Service issues a Notice of Intent to Fine on Form I-763. Service of this
Notice shall be accomplished pursuant to part 103 of this chapter. The person or entity identified in the
Notice of Intent to Fine shall be known as the respondent. The Notice of Intent to Fine may be issued by
an officer defined in §242.1 of this chapter with concurrence of a Service attorney.
(1) Contents of the Notice of Intent to Fine. (i) The Notice of Intent to Fine will contain the basis for the
charge(s) against the respondent, the statutory provisions alleged to have been violated, and the
penalty that will be imposed.
(ii) The Notice of Intent to Fine will provide the following advisals to the respondent:
(A) That the person or entity has the right to representation by counsel of his or her own choice at no
expense to the government;
(B) That any statement given may be used against the person or entity;
(C) That the person or entity has the right to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 554-557, and that such request must be made within 30 days from the service of
the Notice of Intent to Fine;
(D) That the Service will issue a final order in 45 days if a written request for a hearing is not timely
received and that there will be no appeal of the final order.
(2) [Reserved]
274a.9(e)
(e) Request for Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge. If a respondent contests the issuance of a
Notice of Intent to Fine, the respondent must file with the INS, within thirty days of the service of the
Notice of Intent to Fine, a written request for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Any written
request for a hearing submitted in a foreign language must be accompanied by an English language
translation. A request for a hearing is not deemed to be filed until received by the Service office

designated in the Notice of Intent to Fine. In computing the thirty day period prescribed by this section,
the day of service of the Notice of Intent to Fine shall not be included. If the Notice of Intent to Fine was
served by ordinary mail, five days shall be added to the prescribed thirty day period. In the request for a
hearing, the respondent may, but is not required to, respond to each allegation listed in the Notice of
Intent to Fine.
274a.9(f)
(f) Failure to file a request for hearing. If the respondent does not file a request for a hearing in writing
within thirty days of the day of service of the Notice of Intent to Fine (thirty-five days if served by
ordinary mail), the INS shall issue a final order from which there is no appeal.
274a.10
§ 274a.10 Penalties.
274a.10(a)
(a) Criminal penalties. Any person or entity which engages in a pattern or practice of violations of
subsection (a)(1)(A) or (a)(2) of the Act shall be fined not more than $3,000 for each unauthorized alien,
imprisoned for not more than six months for the entire pattern or practice, or both, notwithstanding the
provisions of any other Federal law relating to fine levels.
274a.10(b)
(b) Civil penalties. A person or entity may face civil penalties for a violation of section 274A of the Act.
Civil penalties may be imposed by the Service or an administrative law judge for violations under section
274A of the Act. In determining the level of the penalties that will be imposed, a finding of more than
one violation in the course of a single proceeding or determination will be counted as a single offense.
However, a single offense will include penalties for each unauthorized alien who is determined to have
been knowingly hired or recruited or referred for a fee.
274a.10(b)(1)
(1) A respondent found by the Service or an administrative law judge to have knowingly hired, or to have
knowingly recruited or referred for a fee, an unauthorized alien for employment in the United States or
to have knowingly continued to employ an unauthorized alien in the United States, shall be subject to
the following order:
(i) To cease and desist from such behavior;
(ii) To pay a civil fine according to the following schedule:
(A) First offense - not less than $275 and not more than $2,200 for each unauthorized alien with respect
to whom the offense occurred before March 27, 2008, and not less than $375 and not exceeding $3,200,

for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom the offense occurred occurring on or after March 27,
2008;
(B) Second offense - not less than $2,200 and not more than $5,500 for each unauthorized alien with
respect to whom the second offense occurred before March 27, 2008, and not less than $3,200 and not
more than $6,500, for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom the second offense occurred on or
after March 27, 2008; or
(C) More than two offenses - not less than $3,300 and not more than $11,000 for each unauthorized
alien with respect to whom the third or subsequent offense occurred before March 27, 2008 and not
less than $4,300 and not exceeding $16,000, for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom the third
or subsequent offense occurred on or after March 27, 2008; and
(iii) To comply with the requirements of section 274a.2(b) of this part, and to take such other remedial
action as is appropriate.
274a.10(b)(2)
(2) A respondent determined by the Service (if a respondent fails to request a hearing) or by an
administrative law judge, to have failed to comply with the employment verification requirements as set
forth in §274a.2(b), shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount of not less than $100 and not more
than $1,000 for each individual with respect to whom such violation occurred before September 29,
1999, and not less than $110 and not more than $1,100 for each individual with respect to whom such
violation occurred on or after September 29, 1999. In determining the amount of the penalty,
consideration shall be given to:
(i) The size of the business of the employer being charged;
(ii) The good faith of the employer;
(iii) The seriousness of the violation;
(iv) Whether or not the individual was an unauthorized alien; and
(v) The history of previous violations of the employer.
274a.10(b)(3)
(3) Where an order is issued with respect to a respondent composed of distinct, physically separate
subdivisions which do their own hiring, or their own recruiting or referring for a fee for employment
(without reference to the practices of, and under the control of, or common control with another
subdivision) the subdivision shall be considered a separate person or entity.
274a.10(c)
(c) Enjoining pattern or practice violations. If the Attorney General has reasonable cause to believe that
a person or entity is engaged in a pattern or practice of employment, recruitment or referral in violation

of section 274A(a)(1)(A) or (2) of the Act, the Attorney General may bring civil action in the appropriate
United States District Court requesting relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining
order, or other order against the person or entity, as the Attorney General deems necessary.
274a.11
§ 274a.11 [Reserved]
Subpart B--Employment Authorization
274a.12
§ 274a.12 Classes of aliens authorized to accept employment.
274a.12(a)
(a) Aliens authorized incident to status. Pursuant to the statutory or regulatory reference cited, the
following classes of aliens are authorized to be employed in the United States without restrictions as to
location or type of employment as a condition of their admission or subsequent change to one of the
indicated classes. Any alien who is within a class of aliens described in paragraphs (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(6)-(8),
or (a)(10)-(16) of this section, and who seeks to be employed in the United States, must apply to the
Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) for a document evidencing such employment.
BCIS may, in its discretion, determine the validity period assigned to any document issued evidencing an
alien's authorization to work in the United States.
(1) An alien who is a lawful permanent resident (with or without conditions pursuant to section 216 of
the Act), as evidenced by Form I-551 issued by the Service. An expiration date on the Form I-551 reflects
only that the card must be renewed, not that the bearer's work authorization has expired;
(2) An alien admitted to the United States as a lawful temporary resident pursuant to sections 245A or
210 of the Act, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the Service;
(3) An alien admitted to the United States as a refugee pursuant to section 207 of the Act for the period
of time in that status, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the Service;
(4) An alien paroled into the United States as a refugee for the period of time in that status, as
evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the Service;
(5) An alien granted asylum under section 208 of the Act for the period of time in that status, as
evidenced by an employment authorization document, issued by BCIS to the alien. An expiration date on
the employment authorization document issued by BCIS reflects only that the document must be
renewed, and not that the bearer's work authorization has expired. Evidence of employment
authorization shall be granted in increments not exceeding 5 years for the period of time the alien
remains in that status.

(6) An alien admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant fiancé or fiancée pursuant to section
101(a)(15)(K)(i) of the Act, or an alien admitted as a child of such alien, for the period of admission in
that status, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the Service;
(7) An alien admitted as a parent (N-8) or dependent child (N-9) of an alien granted permanent
residence under section 101(a)(27)(I) of the Act, as evidenced by an employment authorization
document issued by the Service;
(8) An alien admitted to the United States as a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia (CFA/FSM)
or of the Marshall Islands (CFA/MIS) pursuant to agreements between the United States and the former
trust territories, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the Service;
(9) Any alien admitted as a nonimmigrant spouse pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(K)(ii) of the Act, or an
alien admitted as a child of such alien, for the period of admission in that status, as evidenced by an
employment authorization document, with an expiration date issued by the Service;
(10) An alien granted withholding of deportation or removal for the period of time in that status, as
evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the Service;
(11) An alien who has been granted extended voluntary departure by the Attorney General as a member
of a nationality group pursuant to a request by the Secretary of State. Employment is authorized for the
period of time in that status as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the
Service;
(12) An alien granted Temporary Protected Status under section 244 of the Act for the period of time in
that status, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the Service;
(13) An alien granted voluntary departure by the Attorney General under the Family Unity Program
established by section 301 of the Immigration Act of 1990, as evidenced by an employment
authorization document issued by the Service;
(14) An alien granted Family Unity benefits under section 1504 of the Legal Immigrant Family Equity
(LIFE) Act Amendments, Public Law 106-554, and the provisions of 8 CFR part 245a, Subpart C of this
chapter, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the Service; or
(15) Any alien in V nonimmigrant status as defined in section 101(a)(15)(V) of the Act and 8 CFR 214.15.
(16) An alien authorized to be admitted to or remain in the United States as a nonimmigrant alien victim
of a severe form of trafficking in persons under section 101(a)(15)(T)(i) of the Act. Employment
authorization granted under this paragraph shall expire upon the expiration of the underlying T-1
nonimmigrant status granted by the Service.
274a.12(b)
(b) Aliens authorized for employment with a specific employer incident to status. The following classes of
nonimmigrant aliens are authorized to be employed in the United States by the specific employer and

subject to the restrictions described in the section(s) of this chapter indicated as a condition of their
admission in, or subsequent change to, such classification. An alien in one of these classes is not issued
an employment authorization document by the Service:
274a.12(b)(1)
(1) A foreign government official (A-1 or A-2), pursuant to §214.2(a) of this chapter. An alien in this
status may be employed only by the foreign government entity;
274a.12(b)(2)
(2) An employee of a foreign government official (A-3), pursuant to §214.2(a) of this chapter. An alien in
this status may be employed only by the foreign government official;
274a.12(b)(3)
(3) A foreign government official in transit (C-2 or C-3), pursuant to §214.2(c) of this chapter. An alien in
this status may be employed only by the foreign government entity;
274a.12(b)(4)
(4) [Reserved]
274a.12(b)(5)
(5) A nonimmigrant treaty trader (E-1) or treaty investor (E-2), pursuant to §214.2(e) of this chapter. An
alien in this status may be employed only by the treaty-qualifying company through which the alien
attained the status. Employment authorization does not extend to the dependents of the principal
treaty trader or treaty investor (also designated "E-1" or "E-2"), other than those specified in paragraph
(c)(2) of this section;
274a.12(b)(6)
(6) A nonimmigrant (F-1) student who is in valid nonimmigrant student status and pursuant to 8 CFR
214.2(f) is seeking:
274a.12(b)(6)(i)
(i) On-campus employment for not more than twenty hours per week when school is in session or fulltime employment when school is not in session if the student intends and is eligible to register for the
next term or session. Part-time on-campus employment is authorized by the school and no specific
endorsement by a school official or Service officer is necessary;
274a.12(b)(6)(ii)
(ii) [Reserved]
274a.12(b)(6)(iii)

(iii) Curricular practical training (internships, cooperative training programs, or work-study programs
which are part of an established curriculum) after having been enrolled full-time in a Service approved
institution for one full academic year. Curricular practical training (part-time or full-time) is authorized
by the Designated School Official on the student's Form I-20. No Service endorsement is necessary.
274a.12(b)(6)(iv)
(iv) An Employment Authorization Document, Form I-766 or successor form, under paragraph (c)(3)(i)(C)
of this section based on a STEM Optional Practical Training extension, and whose timely filed Form I-765
or successor form is pending and employment authorization and accompanying Form I-766 or successor
form issued under paragraph (c)(3)(i)(B) of this section have expired. Employment is authorized
beginning on the expiration date of the Form I-766 or successor form issued under paragraph (c)(3)(i)(B)
of this section and ending on the date of USCIS' written decision on the current Form I-765 or successor
form, but not to exceed 180 days. For this same period, such Form I-766 or successor form is
automatically extended and is considered unexpired when combined with a Certificate of Eligibility for
Nonimmigrant (F-1/M-1) Students, Form I-20 or successor form, endorsed by the Designated School
Official recommending such an extension; or
274a.12(b)(6)(v)
(v) Pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(h) is seeking H-1B nonimmigrant status and whose duration of status and
employment authorization have been extended pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(vi).
274a.12(b)(7)
(7) A representative of an international organization (G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-4), pursuant to §214.2(g) of this
chapter. An alien in this status may be employed only by the foreign government entity or the
international organization;
274a.12(b)(8)
(8) A personal employee of an official or representative of an international organization (G-5), pursuant
to §214.2(g) of this chapter. An alien in this status may be employed only by the official or
representative of the international organization;
274a.12(b)(9)
(9) A temporary worker or trainee (H-1, H-2A, H-2B, or H-3), pursuant to § 214.2(h) of this chapter, or a
nonimmigrant specialty occupation worker pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b1) of the Act. An alien
in this status may be employed only by the petitioner through whom the status was obtained. In the
case of a professional H-2B athlete who is traded from one organization to another organization,
employment authorization for the player will automatically continue for a period of 30 days after
acquisition by the new organization, within which time the new organization is expected to file a new
Form I-129 to petition for H-2B classification. If a new Form I-129 is not filed within 30 days,
employment authorization will cease. If a new Form I-129 is filed within 30 days, the professional

athlete's employment authorization will continue until the petition is adjudicated. If the new petition is
denied, employment authorization will cease;
274a.12(b)(10)
(10) An information media representative (I), pursuant to §214.2(i) of this chapter. An alien in this status
may be employed only for the sponsoring foreign news agency or bureau. Employment authorization
does not extend to the dependents of an information media representative (also designated "I");
274a.12(b)(11)
(11) An exchange visitor (J-1), pursuant to §214.2(j) of this chapter and 22 CFR part 62. An alien in this
status may be employed only by the exchange visitor program sponsor or appropriate designee and
within the guidelines of the program approved by the Department of State as set forth in the Form DS2019, Certificate of Eligibility, issued by the program sponsor;
274a.12(b)(12)
(12) An intra-company transferee (L-1), pursuant to §214.2(1) of this chapter. An alien in this status may
be employed only by the petitioner through whom the status was obtained;
274a.12(b)(13)
(13) An alien having extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics (O-1), and
an accompanying alien (O-2), pursuant to §214.2(o) of this chapter. An alien in this status may be
employed only by the petitioner through whom the status was obtained. In the case of a professional O1 athlete who is traded from one organization to another organization, employment authorization for
the player will automatically continue for a period of 30 days after the acquisition by the new
organization, within which time the new organization is expected to file a new Form I-129 petition for O
nonimmigrant classification. If a new Form I-129 is not filed within 30 days, employment authorization
will cease. If a new Form I-129 is filed within 30 days, the professional athlete's employment
authorization will continue until the petition is adjudicated. If the new petition is denied, employment
authorization will cease.
274a.12(b)(14)
(14) An athlete, artist, or entertainer (P-1, P-2, or P-3), pursuant to §214.2(p) of this chapter. An alien in
this status may be employed only by the petitioner through whom the status was obtained. In the case
of a professional P-1 athlete who is traded from one organization to another organization, employment
authorization for the player will automatically continue for a period of 30 days after the acquisition by
the new organization, within which time the new organization is expected to file a new Form I-129 for P1 nonimmigrant classification. If a new Form I-129 is not filed within 30 days, employment authorization
will cease. If a new Form I-129 is filed within 30 days, the professional athlete's employment
authorization will continue until the petition is adjudicated. If the new petition is denied, employment
authorization will cease;

274a.12(b)(15)
(15) An international cultural exchange visitor (Q-1), according to §214.2(q)(1) of this chapter. An alien
may only be employed by the petitioner through whom the status was obtained;
274a.12(b)(16)
(16) An alien having a religious occupation, pursuant to §214.2(r) of this chapter. An alien in this status
may be employed only by the religious organization through whom the status was obtained;
274a.12(b)(17)
(17) Officers and personnel of the armed services of nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization,
and representatives, officials, and staff employees of NATO (NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5
and NATO-6), pursuant to §214.2(o) of this chapter. An alien in this status may be employed only by
NATO;
274a.12(b)(18)
(18) An attendant, servant or personal employee (NATO-7) of an alien admitted as a NATO-1, NATO-2,
NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6, pursuant to §214.2(o) of this chapter. An alien admitted under
this classification may be employed only by the NATO alien through whom the status was obtained;
274a.12(b)(19)
(19) A nonimmigrant pursuant to section 214(e) of the Act. An alien in this status must be engaged in
business activities at a professional level in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 16 of the North
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); or
274a.12(b)(20)
(20) A nonimmigrant alien within the class of aliens described in paragraphs (b)(2), (b)(5), (b)(8), (b)(9),
(b)(10), (b)(11), (b)(12), (b)(13), (b)(14), (b)(16), (b)(19), (b)(23) and (b)(25) of this section whose status
has expired but on whose behalf an application for an extension of stay was timely filed pursuant to §
214.2 or § 214.6 of this chapter. These aliens are authorized to continue employment with the same
employer for a period not to exceed 240 days beginning on the date of the expiration of the authorized
period of stay. Such authorization shall be subject to any conditions and limitations noted on the initial
authorization. However, if the district director or service center director adjudicates the application
prior to the expiration of this 240 day period and denies the application for extension of stay, the
employment authorization under this paragraph shall automatically terminate upon notification of the
denial decision;
274a.12(b)(21)
(21) A nonimmigrant alien within the class of aliens described in 8 CFR 214.2(h)(1)(ii)(C) who filed an
application for an extension of stay pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2 during his or her period of admission. Such

alien is authorized to be employed by a new employer that has filed an H–2A petition naming the alien
as a beneficiary and requesting an extension of stay for the alien for a period not to exceed 120 days
beginning from the “Received Date” on Form I–797 (Notice of Action) acknowledging receipt of the
petition requesting an extension of stay, provided that the employer has enrolled in and is a participant
in good standing in the E-Verify program, as determined by USCIS in its discretion. Such authorization
will be subject to any conditions and limitations noted on the initial authorization, except as to the
employer and place of employment. However, if the District Director or Service Center director
adjudicates the application prior to the expiration of this 120-day period and denies the application for
extension of stay, the employment authorization under this paragraph (b)(21) shall automatically
terminate upon 15 days after the date of the denial decision. The employment authorization shall also
terminate automatically if the employer fails to remain a participant in good standing in the E-Verify
program, as determined by USCIS in its discretion;
274a.12(b)(22)
(22) An alien in E–2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrant status pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(e)(23). An alien in this
status may be employed only by the qualifying company through which the alien attained the status. An
alien in E–2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrant status may be employed only in the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands for a qualifying entity. An alien who attained E–2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrant
status based upon a Foreign Retiree Investment Certificate or Certification is not employmentauthorized. Employment authorization does not extend to the dependents of the principal investor (also
designated E–2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrants) other than those specified in paragraph (c)(12) of this
section;
274a.12(b)(23)
(23) A Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands transitional worker (CW–1) pursuant to 8 CFR
214.2(w). An alien in this status may be employed only in the CNMI during the transition period, and
only by the petitioner through whom the status was obtained, or as otherwise authorized by 8 CFR
214.2(w). An alien who is lawfully present in the CNMI (as defined by 8 CFR 214.2(w)(1)(v)) on or before
November 27, 2011, is authorized to be employed in the CNMI, and is so employed in the CNMI by an
employer properly filing an application under 8 CFR 214.2(w)(14)(ii) on or before such date for a grant of
CW–1 status to its employee in the CNMI for the purpose of the alien continuing the employment, is
authorized to continue such employment on or after November 27, 2011, until a decision is made on the
application; or
274a.12(b)(24)
(24) An alien who is authorized to be employed in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
for a period of up to 2 years following the transition program effective date, under section 6(e)(2) of
Public Law 94–241, as added by section 702(a) of Public Law 110–229. Such alien is only authorized to
continue in the same employment that he or she had on the transition program effective date as
defined in 8 CFR 1.1 until the earlier of the date that is 2 years after the transition program effective
date or the date of expiration of the alien's employment authorization, unless the alien had unrestricted

employment authorization or was otherwise authorized as of the transition program effective date to
change employers, in which case the alien may have such employment privileges as were authorized as
of the transition program effective date for up to 2 years.
274a.12(b)(25)
(25) A nonimmigrant treaty alien in a specialty occupation (E-3) pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(E)(iii) of
the Act.
274a.12(c)
(c) Aliens who must apply for employment authorization. An alien within a class of aliens described in
this section must apply for work authorization. If authorized, such an alien may accept employment
subject to any restrictions stated in the regulations or cited on the employment authorization
document. BCIS, in its discretion, may establish a specific validity period for an employment
authorization document, which may include any period when an administrative appeal or judicial review
of an application or petition is pending.
(1) An alien dependent of a foreign government official A-1 or A-2 principal alien defined in 8 CFR
214.2(a)(2), and who presents a fully executed Form I-566 bearing the endorsement of an authorized
representative of the Department of State;
(2) An alien spouse or unmarried dependent son or daughter of an alien employee of the Coordination
Council for North American Affairs (E-1) pursuant to §214.2(e) of this chapter;
274a.12(c)(3)
(3) A nonimmigrant (F-1) student who:
274a.12(c)(3)(i)(A)
(i) (A) Is seeking pre-completion practical training pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(A)(1) and (2);
274a.12(c)(3)(i)(B)
(B) Is seeking authorization to engage in in up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical
Training (OPT) pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(A)(3); or
274a.12(c)(3)(i)(C)
(C) Is seeking a 24-month STEM OPT extension pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C);
274a.12(c)(3)(ii)
(ii) Has been offered employment under the sponsorship of an international organization within the
meaning of the International Organization Immunities Act (59 Stat. 669) and who presents a written
certification from the international organization that the proposed employment is within the scope of

the organization's sponsorship. The F-1 student must also present a Form I-20 ID or SEVIS Form I-20 with
employment page completed by DSO certifying eligibility for employment; or
274a.12(c)(3)(iii)
(iii) Is seeking employment because of severe economic hardship pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(ii)(C) and
has filed the Form I-20 ID and Form I-538 (for non-SEVIS schools), or SEVIS Form I-20 with employment
page completed by the DSO certifying eligibility, and any other supporting materials such as affidavits
which further detail the unforeseen economic circumstances that require the student to seek
employment authorization.
274a.12(c)(4)
(4) An alien dependent of an officer of, representative to, or employee of an international organization
G-1, G-3, or G-4 principal alien defined in 8 CFR 214.2(g)(2), and who presents a fully executed Form I566 bearing the endorsement of an authorized representative of the Department of State;
274a.12(c)(5)
(5) An alien spouse or minor child of an exchange visitor (J-2) pursuant to §214.2(j) of this chapter;
274a.12(c)(6)
(6) A nonimmigrant (M-1) student seeking employment for practical training pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(m)
following completion of studies. The alien may be employed only in an occupation or vocation directly
related to his or her course of study as recommended by the endorsement of the designated school
official on the I-20 ID;
274a.12(c)(7)
(7) A dependent of an alien classified as NATO-1 through NATO-7 pursuant to §214.2(n) of this chapter;
274a.12(c)(8)
(8) An alien who has filed a complete application for asylum or withholding of deportation or removal
pursuant to 8 CFR part 208, whose application:
(i) Has not been decided, and who is eligible to apply for employment authorization under §208.7 of this
chapter because the 150-day period set forth in that section has expired. Employment authorization
may be granted according to the provisions of §208.7 of this chapter in increments to be determined by
the Commissioner and shall expire on a specified date; or
(ii) Has been recommended for approval, but who has not yet received a grant of asylum or withholding
or deportation or removal;
274a.12(c)(9)

(9) An alien who has filed an application for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident pursuant
to part 245 of this chapter. For purposes of section 245(c)(8) of the Act, an alien will not be deemed to
be an "unauthorized alien" as defined in section 274A(h)(3) of the Act while his or her properly filed
Form I-485 application is pending final adjudication, if the alien has otherwise obtained permission from
the Service pursuant to 8 CFR 274a.12 to engage in employment, or if the alien had been granted
employment authorization prior to the filing of the adjustment application and such authorization does
not expire during the pendency of the adjustment application. Upon meeting these conditions, the
adjustment applicant need not file an application for employment authorization to continue
employment during the period described in the preceding sentence;
274a.12(c)(10)
(10) An alien who has filed an application for suspension of deportation under section 244 of the Act (as
it existed prior to April 1, 1997), cancellation of removal pursuant to section 240A of the Act, or special
rule cancellation of removal under section 309(f)(1) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant
Responsibility Act of 1996, enacted as Pub. L. 104-208 (110 Stat. 3009-625) (as amended by the
Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA)), title II of Pub. L. 105-100 (111 Stat.
2160, 2193) and whose properly filed application has been accepted by the Service or EOIR.
274a.12(c)(11)
(11) An alien paroled into the United States temporarily for emergency reasons or reasons deemed
strictly in the public interest pursuant to §212.5 of this chapter;
274a.12(c)(12)
(12) An alien spouse of a long-term investor in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (E-2
CNMI Investor) other than an E-2 CNMI investor who obtained such status based upon a Foreign Retiree
Investment Certificate, pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(e)(23). An alien spouse of an E-2 CNMI Investor is
eligible for employment in the CNMI only;
(13) [Reserved]
274a.12(c)(14)
(14) An alien who has been granted deferred action, an act of administrative convenience to the
government which gives some cases lower priority, if the alien establishes an economic necessity for
employment;
(15) [Reserved]
274a.12(c)(16)
(16) Any alien who has filed an application for creation of record of lawful admission for permanent
residence pursuant to part 249 of this chapter.

274a.12(c)(17)
(17) A nonimmigrant visitor for business (B-1) who:
274a.12(c)(17)(i)
(i) Is a personal or domestic servant who is accompanying or following to join an employer who seeks
admission into, or is already in, the United States as a nonimmigrant defined under sections 101(a)(15)
(B), (E), (F), (H), (I), (J), (L) or section 214(e) of the Act. The personal or domestic servant shall have a
residence abroad which he or she has no intention of abandoning and shall demonstrate at least one
year's experience as a personal or domestic servant. The nonimmigrant's employer shall demonstrate
that the employer/employee relationship has existed for at least one year prior to the employer's
admission to the United States; or, if the employer/employee relationship existed for less than one year,
that the employer has regularly employed (either year-round or seasonally) personal or domestic
servants over a period of several years preceding the employer's admission to the United States;
274a.12(c)(17)(ii)
(ii) Is a domestic servant of a United States citizen accompanying or following to join his or her United
States citizen employer who has a permanent home or is stationed in a foreign country, and who is
visiting temporarily in the United States. The employer/employee relationship shall have existed prior to
the commencement of the employer's visit to the United States; or
274a.12(c)(17)(iii)
(iii) Is an employee of a foreign airline engaged in international transportation of passengers freight,
whose position with the foreign airline would otherwise entitle the employee to classification under
section 101(a)(15)(E)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and who is precluded from such
classification solely because the employee is not a national of the country of the airline's nationality or
because there is no treaty of commerce and navigation in effect between the United States and the
country of the airline's nationality.
274a.12(c)(18)
(18) An alien against whom a final order of deportation or removal exists and who is released on an
order of supervision under the authority contained in section 241(a)(3) of the Act may be granted
employment authorization in the discretion of the district director only if the alien cannot be removed
due to the refusal of all countries designated by the alien or under section 241 of the Act to receive the
alien, or because the removal of the alien is otherwise impracticable or contrary to the public interest.
Additional factors which may be considered by the district director in adjudicating the application for
employment authorization include, but are not limited to, the following:
(i) The existence of economic necessity to be employed;

(ii) The existence of a dependent spouse and/or children in the United States who rely on the alien for
support; and
(iii) The anticipated length of time before the alien can be removed from the United States.
274a.12(c)(19)
(19) An alien applying for Temporary Protected Status pursuant to section 244 of the Act shall apply for
employment authorization only in accordance with the procedures set forth in part 244 of this chapter.
274a.12(c)(20)
(20) Any alien who has filed a completed legalization application pursuant to section 210 of the Act (and
part 210 of this chapter).
274a.12(c)(21)
(21) A principal nonimmigrant witness or informant in S classification, and qualified dependent family
members.
274a.12(c)(22)
(22) Any alien who has filed a completed legalization application pursuant to section 245A of the Act
(and part 245a of this chapter). Employment authorization shall be granted in increments not exceeding
1 year during the period the application is pending (including any period when an administrative appeal
is pending) and shall expire on a specified date.
(23) [Reserved]
274a.12(c)(24)
(24) An alien who has filed an application for adjustment pursuant to section 1104 of the LIFE Act, Public
Law 106-553, and the provisions of 8 CFR part 245a, Subpart B of this chapter.
274a.12(c)(25)
(25) An immediate family member of a T-1 victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons designated as
a T-2, T-3 or T-4 nonimmigrant pursuant to §214.11 of this chapter. Aliens in this status shall only be
authorized to work for the duration of their T nonimmigrant status.
274a.12(c)(26)
(26) An H-4 nonimmigrant spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant described as eligible for employment
authorization in 8 CFR 214.2(h)(9)(iv).
274a.12(d)

(d) An alien lawfully enlisted in one of the Armed Forces, or whose enlistment the Secretary with
jurisdiction over such Armed Force has determined would be vital to the national interest under 10
U.S.C. 504(b)(2), is authorized to be employed by that Armed Force in military service, if such
employment is not otherwise authorized under this section and the immigration laws. An alien
described in this section is not issued an employment authorization document.
274a.12(e)
(e) Basic criteria to establish economic necessity. Title 45--Public Welfare, Poverty Guidelines, 45 CFR
1060.2 should be used as the basic criteria to establish eligibility for employment authorization when
the alien's economic necessity is identified as a factor. The alien shall submit an application for
employment authorization listing his or her assets, income, and expenses as evidence of his or her
economic need to work. Permission to work granted on the basis of the alien's application for
employment authorization may be revoked under §274a.14 of this chapter upon a showing that the
information contained in the statement was not true and correct.
274a.13
§ 274a.13 Application for employment authorization.
274a.13(a)
(a) Application. Aliens authorized to be employed under §274a.12(a) (3), (4), (6) through (8), (a)(10)
through (15), and (a)(20) must file an application in order to obtain documentation evidencing this fact.
(1) Aliens who may apply for employment authorization under 8 CFR 274a.12(c), except for those who
may apply under 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(8), must apply on the form designated by USCIS with the fee
prescribed in 8 CFR 103.7(b)(1) and in accordance with the form instructions. The approval of
applications filed under 8 CFR 274a.12(c), except for 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(8), are within the discretion of
USCIS. Where economic necessity has been identified as a factor, the alien must provide information
regarding his or her assets, income, and expenses.
(2) An initial employment authorization request for asylum applicants under 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(8) must
be filed on the form designated by USCIS in accordance with the form instructions. The applicant also
must submit a copy of the underlying application for asylum or withholding of deportation, together
with evidence that the application has been filed in accordance with 8 CFR 208.3 and 208.4. An
application for an initial employment authorization or for a renewal of employment authorization filed
in relation to a pending claim for asylum shall be adjudicated in accordance with 8 CFR 208.7. An
application for renewal or replacement of employment authorization submitted in relation to a pending
claim for asylum, as provided in 8 CFR 208.7, must be filed, with fee or application for waiver of such
fee.
274a.13(b)

(b) Approval of application. If the application is granted, the alien shall be notified of the decision and
issued an employment authorization document valid for a specific period and subject to any terms and
conditions as noted.
274a.13(c)
(c) Denial of application. If the application is denied, the applicant shall be notified in writing of the
decision and the reasons for the denial. There shall be no appeal from the denial of the application.
274a.13(d)
(d) Interim employment authorization. USCIS will adjudicate the application within 90 days from the date
of receipt of the application, except as described in 8 CFR 214.2(h)(9)(iv), and except in the case of an
initial application for employment authorization under 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(8), which is governed by
paragraph (a)(2) of this section, and 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(9) in so far as it is governed by 8 CFR 245.13(j) and
245.15(n). Failure to complete the adjudication within 90 days will result in the grant of an employment
authorization document for a period not to exceed 240 days. Such authorization will be subject to any
conditions noted on the employment authorization document. However, if USCIS adjudicates the
application prior to the expiration date of the interim employment authorization and denies the
individual's employment authorization application, the interim employment authorization granted
under this section will automatically terminate as of the date of the adjudication and denial.
274a.14
§ 274a.14 Termination of employment authorization.
274a.14(a)
(a) Automatic termination of employment authorization.
(1) Employment authorization granted under §274a.12(c) of this chapter shall automatically terminate
upon the occurrence of one of the following events:
(i) The expiration date specified by the Service on the employment authorization document is reached;
(ii) Exclusion or deportation proceedings are instituted (however, this shall not preclude the
authorization of employment pursuant to §274a.12(c) of this part where appropriate); or
(iii) The alien is granted voluntary departure.
(2) Termination of employment authorization pursuant to this paragraph does not require the service of
a notice of intent to revoke; employment authorization terminates upon the occurrence of any event
enumerated in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
However, automatic revocation under this section does not preclude reapplication for employment
authorization under §274.12(c) of this part.

274a.14(b)
(b) Revocation of employment authorization--(1) Basis for revocation of employment authorization.
Employment authorization granted under §274a.12(c) of this chapter may be revoked by the district
director:
(i) Prior to the expiration date, when it appears that any condition upon which it was granted has not
been met or no longer exists, or for good cause shown; or
(ii) Upon a showing that the information contained in the application is not true and correct.
(2) Notice of intent to revoke employment authorization. When a district director determines that
employment authorization should be revoked prior to the expiration date specified by the Service, he or
she shall serve written notice of intent to revoke the employment authorization. The notice will cite the
reasons indicating that revocation is warranted. The alien will be granted a period of fifteen days from
the date of service of the notice within which to submit countervailing evidence. The decision by the
district director shall be final and no appeal shall lie from the decision to revoke the authorization.
274a.14(c)
(c) Automatic termination of temporary employment authorization granted prior to June 1, 1987. (1)
Temporary employment authorization granted prior to June 1, 1987, pursuant to 8 CFR 274a.12(c)
(§109.1(b) contained in the 8 CFR edition revised as of January 1, 1987), shall automatically terminate on
the date specified by the Service on the document issued to the alien, or on December 31, 1996,
whichever is earlier. Automatic termination of temporary employment authorization does not preclude
a subsequent application for temporary employment authorization.
(2) A document issued by the Service prior to June 1, 1987, that authorized temporary employment
authorization for any period beyond December 31, 1996, is null and void pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of
this section. The alien shall be issued a new employment authorization document upon application to
the Service if the alien is eligible for temporary employment authorization pursuant to 274A.12(c).
(3) No notice of intent to revoke is necessary for the automatic termination of temporary employment
authorization pursuant to this part.

Updates incorporated in this version


81 Fed. Reg. 13039 (March 11, 2016), effective May 10, 2016. Incorporated changes related to
the 24-month STEM OPT and F-1/H-1B cap gap extensions.



81 Fed.Reg. 2068 (January 15, 2016), effective February 16, 2016. Added H-1B1, E-3, and CW-1
to the nonimmigrant categories covered by the 240-day rule.



80 Fed.Reg. 10283 (February 25, 2015), effective May 26, 2015, adding 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(26) and
amending 8 CFR 274a.13(d) to provide eligiblity for certain H-4 dependents to apply for work
authorization.



75 Fed.Reg.42575 (July 22, 2010), effective August 23, 2010, specifying the "3 business day"
standard for I-9 compliance, and other changes.



74 Fed.Reg. 55726 (October 28, 2009), effective November 28, 2009. Application of Immigration
Regulations to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; Interim Final Rule.



74 Fed.Reg. 51447 (October 7, 2009), effective November 6, 2009, rescinding the "no-match"
letter rule.



75 Fed.Reg. 47699 (August 9, 2010), effective August 9, 2010, to allow an an "immediate family
member" of an A or G foreign official to apply for employment authorization under certain
conditions.



74 Fed.Reg. 26933 (June 5, 2009), effective July 6, 2009, removing references to legacy INS and
to filing at specific service centers.



I-9 changes effective April 3, 2009.



Changes to I-9 documentation rules for armed forces personnel, effective February 23, 2009.



Changes to OPT regulations, effective April 8, 2008.