Green cards may be issued without signatures

Employers checking I-9 documents of employees should be aware that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has been issuing green cards without the holder’s signature that normally appears on the cards.

Since February, the agency has issued green cards without signatures to lawful permanent residents entering the U.S. for the first time after obtaining their visas abroad from a U.S. consular post. The signature requirement has also been waived for minors and individuals who are physically unable to provide a signature.

The cards say “Signature Waived” on the front and back of the card where a signature would normally appear and are an acceptable form of identification for I-9 employment eligibility as long as they are unexpired, appear to be genuine and relate to the person presenting them.

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