How to Fill Out I-9 Employment Verification Form

Complete Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) correctly to verify employee work authorization. Required for all new hires in the United States.

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How to Complete Form I-9 Step-by-Step

1

Employee Completes Section 1

The employee must complete Section 1 on or before their first day of work. This includes providing their full legal name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number, and citizenship/immigration status.

2

Employee Signs Section 1

The employee must sign and date Section 1 under penalty of perjury. This attests that the information provided is true and that they are authorized to work in the U.S.

3

Employee Provides Acceptable Documents

Within three business days of starting work, the employee must present original documents from List A (proving identity and work authorization) OR one document from List B (identity) and one from List C (work authorization).

4

Employer Reviews Documents

The employer or authorized representative must physically examine the original documents. Verify that documents appear genuine and relate to the employee presenting them.

5

Employer Completes Section 2

Record information from the documents in Section 2, including document titles, issuing authorities, numbers, and expiration dates. Complete this section within three business days of the employee's start date.

6

Employer Signs and Dates

The employer or authorized representative must sign and date Section 2, certifying that the documents have been examined and appear genuine and relate to the employee.

Critical I-9 Compliance Tips

Never Discriminate in Document Selection

Let employees choose which acceptable documents to present. Do not specify which documents you want to see - this can constitute discrimination.

Meet the Three-Day Deadline

Section 2 must be completed within three business days of the employee's first day of work. Missing this deadline can result in penalties.

Retain I-9 Forms Properly

Keep completed I-9 forms for three years after hire date or one year after employment ends, whichever is later. Store separately from personnel files for easy ICE audit access.

Form I-9 Common Questions

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