Form I-9, officially called the “Employment Eligibility Verification” form, is a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) document used by employers to verify the identity and legal authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. Employers must complete Form I-9 for every new employee, including citizens and noncitizens, to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the U.S. The form requires employees to provide documentation proving their identity and work authorization, which employers must review and retain.
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Key Facts
- Purpose: To verify the identity and employment authorization of new hires.
- Who Must Complete: All U.S. employers must complete Form I-9 for each employee hired after November 6, 1986.
- Employee Responsibilities: Employees must provide acceptable documents from Lists of Acceptable Documents (List A, B, or C).
- Employer Responsibilities: Employers must physically examine original documents and complete the form within three business days of hire.
- Retention: Employers must retain Form I-9 for at least three years after hire date or one year after employment ends, whichever is later.
- Penalties: Failure to comply with Form I-9 requirements can result in fines and penalties.
1. Who must complete Form I-9?
Every employer in the U.S. must complete Form I-9 for each new employee hired after November 6, 1986.
2. What documents can employees provide for Form I-9?
Employees must present original documents from the Lists of Acceptable Documents (List A: documents proving identity and work authorization, or List B and C: identity and employment authorization separately).
3. When must Form I-9 be completed?
Form I-9 must be completed within three business days of the employee’s first day of work.
4. How long must employers keep Form I-9?
Employers must retain Form I-9 for three years after the hire date or one year after employment ends, whichever is later.
5. What are the consequences of not completing Form I-9 properly?
Employers can face civil fines, penalties, and possible criminal charges for failing to comply with Form I-9 requirements.
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