Information on Legal Status and Authorization to Work

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires all United States (U.S.) employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all employees hired to work in the U.S. after November 6, 1986.

Effective January 1, 1994, Section 9601.5 of California Unemployment Insurance Code specifies only those individuals verified to be U.S. citizens or individuals legally authorized to work in the U.S. may receive employment services, including, but not limited to, job training, retraining, or placement from any:

• State or local government agency;
• Community action agency; or
• Private organization contracting with the state or local government agency with California to perform such services.
• Secondary schools and adult education programs are excluded.

To comply with this requirement, the Employment Development Department will ask to see documentary proof of authorization to work of individuals seeking in-person employment-related services from the department prior to providing services. For more information about acceptable forms of documentation, review the Attention All Job Seekers brochure.

A comprehensive list of acceptable documents is available through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website.