Fill in a Valid USCIS I-9 Template

The USCIS I-9 form is a crucial document used to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired for work in the United States. This form is essential for both employers and employees, ensuring compliance with immigration laws. To learn more about how to fill out the I-9 form correctly, click the button below.

Content Navigation

The USCIS I-9 form is a crucial document for both employers and employees in the United States, serving as a means to verify an individual's identity and employment eligibility. This form is required by law for all employers to complete when hiring new employees, regardless of their citizenship status. The I-9 consists of three main sections: the employee's information, the employer's review of documents, and the employer's certification. In the first section, employees provide their personal details, including name, address, and date of birth, while also declaring their citizenship or immigration status. Employers must then review acceptable documents presented by the employee that establish identity and employment authorization. This could include a U.S. passport, a permanent resident card, or a combination of other documents. Finally, the employer certifies the information by signing the form, ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Accurate completion of the I-9 form is essential, as failure to comply can lead to significant penalties for employers, including fines and potential legal issues. Understanding the nuances of the I-9 process is vital for anyone involved in hiring practices in the U.S.

USCIS I-9 Example

	Employment Eligibility Verification	USCIS
	Department of Homeland Security	Form I-9
	Department of Homeland Security	OMB No.1615-0047
	U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services	OMB No.1615-0047
	U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services	Expires 05/31/2027

START HERE: Employers must ensure the form instructions are available to employees when completing this form. Employers are liable for failing to comply with the requirements for completing this form. See below and the Instructions.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE: All employees can choose which acceptable documentation to present for Form I-9. Employers cannot ask employees for documentation to verify information in Section 1, or specify which acceptable documentation employees must present for Section 2 or Supplement B, Reverification and Rehire. Treating employees differently based on their citizenship, immigration status, or national origin may be illegal.

Section 1. Employee Information and Attestation: Employees must complete and sign Section 1 of Form I-9 no later than the first day of employment, but not before accepting a job offer.

Last Name (Family Name)

First Name (Given Name)

Middle Initial (if any)

Other Last Names Used (if any)

Address (Street Number and Name)

Apt. Number (if any)

City or Town

State

ZIP Code

Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)

U.S. Social Security Number

Employee's Email Address

Employee's Telephone Number

I am aware that federal law		Check one of the following boxes to attest to your citizenship or immigration status (See page 2 and 3 of the instructions.):
provides for imprisonment and/or		1. A citizen of the United States
fines for false statements, or the		1. A citizen of the United States
fines for false statements, or the
use of false documents, in		2. A noncitizen national of the United States (See Instructions.)
connection with the completion of	3.		A lawful permanent resident (Enter USCIS or A-Number.)
this form. I attest, under penalty
this form. I attest, under penalty	4.		An alien authorized to work until			(exp. date, if any)
of perjury, that this information,	4.		An alien authorized to work until			(exp. date, if any)
including my selection of the box		If you check Item Number 4., enter one of these:
attesting to my citizenship or		If you check Item Number 4., enter one of these:
immigration status, is true and		USCIS A-Number		OR	Form I-94 Admission Number			OR	Foreign Passport Number and Country of Issuance
correct.				OR				OR
correct.

Signature of Employee							Today's Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

If a preparer and/or translator assisted you in completing Section 1, that person MUST complete the Preparer and/or Translator Certification on Page 3.

Section 2. Employer Review and Verification: Employers or their authorized representative must complete and sign Section 2 within three business days after the employee's first day of employment, and must physically examine, or examine consistent with an alternative procedure authorized by the Secretary of DHS, documentation from List A OR a combination of documentation from List B and List C. Enter any additional documentation in the Additional Information box; see Instructions.

	List A	OR	List B	AND	List C
Document Title 1

Issuing Authority

Document Number (if any)

Expiration Date (if any)

Document Title 2 (if any)			Additional Information

Issuing Authority

Document Number (if any)

Expiration Date (if any)

Document Title 3 (if any)

Issuing Authority

Document Number (if any)

Expiration Date (if any)			Check here if you used an alternative procedure authorized by DHS to examine documents.

Certification: I attest, under penalty of perjury, that (1) I have examined the documentation presented by the above-named employee, (2) the above-listed documentation appears to be genuine and to relate to the employee named, and (3) to the best of my knowledge, the employee is authorized to work in the United States.

First Day of Employment (mm/dd/yyyy):

Last Name, First Name and Title of Employer or Authorized Representative		Signature of Employer or Authorized Representative	Today's Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

Employer's Business or Organization Name	Employer's Business or Organization Address, City or Town, State, ZIP Code

For reverification or rehire, complete Supplement B, Reverification and Rehire on Page 4.

Form I-9 Edition 01/20/25

Page 1 of 4

LISTS OF ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTS

All documents containing an expiration date must be unexpired.

* Documents extended by the issuing authority are considered unexpired.

Employees may present one selection from List A or a

combination of one selection from List B and one selection from List C.

Examples of many of these documents appear in the Handbook for Employers (M-274).

		LIST A			LIST B					LIST C
Documents that Establish Both Identity			OR		Documents that Establish Identity	AND			Documents that Establish Employment
	and Employment Authorization		OR		Documents that Establish Identity	AND				Authorization
	and Employment Authorization									Authorization
1.	U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card			1. Driver's license or ID card issued by a State or				1. A Social Security Account Number card,
1.	U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card			1. Driver's license or ID card issued by a State or				unless the card includes one of the following
					outlying possession of the United States			unless the card includes one of the following
2.	Permanent Resident Card or Alien				outlying possession of the United States			restrictions:
					provided it contains a photograph or			restrictions:
					provided it contains a photograph or
	Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551)				information such as name, date of birth,				(1)	NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT
					sex, height, eye color, and address				(2)
3.	Foreign passport that contains a				sex, height, eye color, and address					VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH
3.	Foreign passport that contains a									VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH
	temporary I-551 stamp or temporary									INS AUTHORIZATION
	temporary I-551 stamp or temporary			2. ID card issued by federal, state or local						INS AUTHORIZATION
	I-551 printed notation on a machine-			2. ID card issued by federal, state or local
	I-551 printed notation on a machine-				government agencies or entities, provided it				(3)	VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH
	readable immigrant visa				government agencies or entities, provided it				(3)	VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH
	readable immigrant visa				contains a photograph or information such as					DHS AUTHORIZATION
					contains a photograph or information such as					DHS AUTHORIZATION
4.	Employment Authorization Document				name, date of birth, sex, height, eye color,
4.	Employment Authorization Document				and address
	that contains a photograph (Form I-766)				and address		2.		Certification of report of birth issued by the
	that contains a photograph (Form I-766)						2.		Certification of report of birth issued by the
				3. School ID card with a photograph					Department of State (Forms DS-1350,
5. For an individual temporarily authorized									Department of State (Forms DS-1350,
									FS-545, FS-240)

	to work for a specific employer because
	to work for a specific employer because			4.	Voter's registration card
	of his or her status or parole:			4.	Voter's registration card		3.		Original or certified copy of birth certificate
	of his or her status or parole:						3.		Original or certified copy of birth certificate
									issued by a State, county, municipal
	a. Foreign passport; and			5.	U.S. Military card or draft record				issued by a State, county, municipal
	a. Foreign passport; and			5.	U.S. Military card or draft record				authority, or territory of the United States
	b. Form I-94 or Form I-94A that has			6.	Military dependent's ID card				bearing an official seal
	the following:							4. Native American tribal document
	the following:			7. U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card

	(1)	The same name as the
	(1)	The same name as the						5. U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197)
	(2)	passport; and		8.	Native American tribal document			5. U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197)
		passport; and		8.	Native American tribal document
		An endorsement of the					6.		Identification Card for Use of Resident
		An endorsement of the		9.	Driver's license issued by a Canadian		6.		Identification Card for Use of Resident
		individual's status or parole as		9.	Driver's license issued by a Canadian				Citizen in the United States (Form I-179)
		long as that period of			government authority
		long as that period of			government authority
		endorsement has not yet					7.		Employment authorization document
		endorsement has not yet		For persons under age 18 who are			7.		Employment authorization document
		expired and the proposed		For persons under age 18 who are					issued by the Department of Homeland
		employment is not in conflict			unable to present a document				Security
		with any restrictions or			listed above:				For examples, see Section 7 and
		limitations identified on the form.							For examples, see Section 7 and
		limitations identified on the form.		10.	School record or report card				Section 13 of the M-274 on
				10.	School record or report card				Section 13 of the M-274 on
6. Passport from the Federated States of									uscis.gov/i-9-central.
6. Passport from the Federated States of				11.	Clinic, doctor, or hospital record				uscis.gov/i-9-central.
	Micronesia (FSM) or the Republic of the			11.	Clinic, doctor, or hospital record				The Form I-766, Employment
	Marshall Islands (RMI) with Form I-94 or								The Form I-766, Employment
	Marshall Islands (RMI) with Form I-94 or			12. Day-care or nursery school record					Authorization Document, is a List A, Item
	Form I-94A indicating nonimmigrant			12. Day-care or nursery school record					Number 4. document, not a List C
	admission under the Compact of Free								document.
	Association Between the United States								document.
	Association Between the United States
	and the FSM or RMI

Acceptable Receipts

May be presented in lieu of a document listed above for a temporary period.

For receipt validity dates, see the M-274.

●Receipt for a replacement of a lost, stolen, or damaged List A document.

●Form I-94 issued to a lawful permanent resident that contains an I-551 stamp and a photograph of the individual.

●Form I-94 with “RE” notation or refugee stamp issued to a refugee.

Receipt for a replacement of a lost, stolen, or damaged List B document.

Receipt for a replacement of a lost, stolen, or damaged List C document.

*Refer to the Employment Authorization Extensions page on I-9 Central for more information.

Form I-9 Edition 01/20/25

Page 2 of 4

Supplement A,	USCIS
Preparer and/or Translator Certification for Section 1	Form I-9
Department of Homeland Security	Supplement A
Department of Homeland Security	OMB No. 1615-0047
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services	Expires 05/31/2027

Last Name (Family Name) from Section 1.

First Name (Given Name) from Section 1.

Middle initial (if any) from Section 1.

Instructions: This supplement must be completed by any preparer and/or translator who assists an employee in completing Section 1 of Form I-9. The preparer and/or translator must enter the employee's name in the spaces provided above. Each preparer or translator must complete, sign, and date a separate certification area. Employers must retain completed supplement sheets with the employee's completed Form I-9.

I attest, under penalty of perjury, that I have assisted in the completion of Section 1 of this form and that to the best of my knowledge the information is true and correct.

Signature of Preparer or Translator			Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

Last Name (Family Name)	First Name (Given Name)				Middle Initial (if any)

Address (Street Number and Name)		City or Town		State	ZIP Code

I attest, under penalty of perjury, that I have assisted in the completion of Section 1 of this form and that to the best of my knowledge the information is true and correct.

Signature of Preparer or Translator

Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

Last Name (Family Name)

First Name (Given Name)

Middle Initial (if any)

Address (Street Number and Name)

City or Town

State

ZIP Code

I attest, under penalty of perjury, that I have assisted in the completion of Section 1 of this form and that to the best of my knowledge the information is true and correct.

Signature of Preparer or Translator

Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

Last Name (Family Name)

First Name (Given Name)

Middle Initial (if any)

Address (Street Number and Name)

City or Town

State

ZIP Code

I attest, under penalty of perjury, that I have assisted in the completion of Section 1 of this form and that to the best of my knowledge the information is true and correct.

Signature of Preparer or Translator

Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

Last Name (Family Name)

First Name (Given Name)

Middle Initial (if any)

Address (Street Number and Name)

City or Town

State

ZIP Code

Form I-9 Edition 01/20/25

Page 3 of 4

Supplement B,	USCIS
Reverification and Rehire (formerly Section 3)	Form I-9
Department of Homeland Security	Supplement B
Department of Homeland Security	OMB No. 1615-0047
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services	Expires 05/31/2027

Last Name (Family Name) from Section 1.

First Name (Given Name) from Section 1.

Middle initial (if any) from Section 1.

Instructions: This supplement replaces Section 3 on the previous version of Form I-9. Only use this page if your employee requires reverification, is rehired within three years of the date the original Form I-9 was completed, or provides proof of a legal name change. Enter the employee's name in the fields above. Use a new section for each reverification or rehire. Review the Form I-9 instructions before completing this page. Keep this page as part of the employee's Form I-9 record. Additional guidance can be found in the

Handbook for Employers: Guidance for Completing Form I-9 (M-274)

Date of Rehire (if applicable)	New Name (if applicable)
Date (mm/dd/yyyy)	Last Name (Family Name)	First Name (Given Name)	Middle Initial

Reverification: If the employee requires reverification, your employee can choose to present any acceptable List A or List C documentation to show
continued employment authorization. Enter the document information in the spaces below.

Document Title		Document Number (if any)		Expiration Date (if any) (mm/dd/yyyy)

I attest, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of my knowledge, this employee is authorized to work in the United States, and if the
employee presented documentation, the documentation I examined appears to be genuine and to relate to the individual who presented it.

Name of Employer or Authorized Representative		Signature of Employer or Authorized Representative			Today's Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

Additional Information (Initial and date each notation.)					Check here if you used an
					alternative procedure authorized
					by DHS to examine documents.


Date of Rehire (if applicable)	New Name (if applicable)
Date (mm/dd/yyyy)	Last Name (Family Name)		First Name (Given Name)			Middle Initial

Reverification: If the employee requires reverification, your employee can choose to present any acceptable List A or List C documentation to show
continued employment authorization. Enter the document information in the spaces below.
Document Title		Document Number (if any)		Expiration Date (if any) (mm/dd/yyyy)

I attest, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of my knowledge, this employee is authorized to work in the United States, and if the
employee presented documentation, the documentation I examined appears to be genuine and to relate to the individual who presented it.

Name of Employer or Authorized Representative		Signature of Employer or Authorized Representative			Today's Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

Additional Information (Initial and date each notation.)					Check here if you used an
					Check here if you used an
					alternative procedure authorized
					by DHS to examine documents.


Date of Rehire (if applicable)	New Name (if applicable)
Date (mm/dd/yyyy)	Last Name (Family Name)		First Name (Given Name)			Middle Initial

Reverification: If the employee requires reverification, your employee can choose to present any acceptable List A or List C documentation to show
continued employment authorization. Enter the document information in the spaces below.
Document Title		Document Number (if any)		Expiration Date (if any) (mm/dd/yyyy)

I attest, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of my knowledge, this employee is authorized to work in the United States, and if the
employee presented documentation, the documentation I examined appears to be genuine and to relate to the individual who presented it.

Name of Employer or Authorized Representative		Signature of Employer or Authorized Representative			Today's Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

Additional Information (Initial and date each notation.)					Check here if you used an
					Check here if you used an
					alternative procedure authorized
					by DHS to examine documents.

Form I-9 Edition 01/20/25

Page 4 of 4

Click for USCIS I-9 File

File Breakdown

Fact Name	Description
Purpose	The I-9 form is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States.
Who Must Complete	All employers must ensure that the I-9 form is completed for every employee hired after November 6, 1986.
Completion Timeline	Employees must complete Section 1 of the I-9 form on or before their first day of work.
Employer Responsibilities	Employers must complete Section 2 of the I-9 form within three business days of the employee's start date.
Document Requirements	Employees must present valid documents that establish both identity and employment authorization.
Retention Period	Employers must retain the completed I-9 form for three years after the date of hire or one year after employment ends, whichever is longer.
State-Specific Forms	Some states have additional requirements. For example, California requires employers to provide a notice of the employee's rights under state law.
Penalties for Non-Compliance	Employers can face civil penalties for failing to properly complete or retain the I-9 form.
Electronic I-9	Employers may use electronic systems to complete and store I-9 forms, provided they comply with federal regulations.
Updates	The I-9 form is subject to updates. Employers should always use the most current version available from USCIS.

Guide to Using USCIS I-9

Completing the USCIS I-9 form is a crucial step for employers and employees. This form verifies the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for work in the United States. Follow these steps to accurately fill out the form.

Obtain the latest version of the USCIS I-9 form from the official USCIS website.
Fill out Section 1 of the form. This section requires the employee's personal information, including name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number.
Sign and date Section 1. The employee must certify that the information provided is true and correct.
Move to Section 2. This section must be completed by the employer or an authorized representative.
Examine the employee's original documents that establish identity and employment authorization. Acceptable documents are listed on the form.
Record the document information in Section 2. Include the document title, issuing authority, document number, and expiration date if applicable.
Sign and date Section 2. The employer or authorized representative must certify that the documents were reviewed.
Retain the completed I-9 form for your records. Do not send it to USCIS unless specifically requested.

After filling out the form, ensure that all information is accurate. Keep the form on file for the required retention period, which is typically three years after the hire date or one year after the employee's termination, whichever is later.

Get Answers on USCIS I-9

What is the USCIS I-9 form?

The USCIS I-9 form, officially known as the Employment Eligibility Verification form, is a document that employers in the United States must complete for every new employee. This form helps verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for work in the U.S. Both the employer and the employee must fill out sections of the form, ensuring compliance with federal law.

Who needs to fill out the I-9 form?

All employers in the U.S. must complete the I-9 form for every employee they hire. This requirement applies to citizens, non-citizens, and lawful permanent residents. Additionally, employees must provide acceptable documentation that proves their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.

What documents are needed to complete the I-9 form?

Employees must present documents that fall into three categories:

List A: Documents that establish both identity and employment authorization, such as a U.S. passport or a Permanent Resident Card.
List B: Documents that establish identity, such as a driver's license or state ID card.
List C: Documents that establish employment authorization, such as a Social Security card or birth certificate.

Employees can choose to present one document from List A or one document from List B and one from List C.

When should the I-9 form be completed?

The I-9 form must be completed within three days of the employee's start date. Employers should ensure that the employee fills out their section of the form on or before their first day of work. The employer must then complete their section of the form within the three-day window.

How long should employers keep the I-9 form?

Employers must retain the completed I-9 form for three years after the date of hire or for one year after the employee's termination, whichever is longer. It's important to keep the forms in a secure location, as they may be subject to inspection by government officials.

What are the penalties for not complying with I-9 requirements?

Failure to comply with I-9 requirements can lead to significant penalties. Employers may face fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars for each violation. Additionally, knowingly hiring or continuing to employ individuals who are not authorized to work can result in more severe penalties, including criminal charges in certain cases.

Where can I find the I-9 form?

The I-9 form can be downloaded for free from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. It's essential to use the most current version of the form to ensure compliance with regulations. Employers should also check for any updates or changes to the form regularly.

Common mistakes

Filling out the USCIS I-9 form is a crucial step for both employers and employees in the United States. However, many people make common mistakes that can lead to delays or complications. Understanding these pitfalls can help ensure a smoother process.

One frequent error is failing to complete the form within the required timeframe. Employers must ensure that the I-9 is filled out within three days of an employee's start date. If this deadline is missed, it can result in penalties.

Another mistake involves incorrect information. Many individuals accidentally enter wrong names, Social Security numbers, or dates. Such inaccuracies can cause issues during verification and may lead to the rejection of the form.

Some people overlook the importance of signing and dating the form. Both the employee and the employer must sign the I-9 to confirm that the information provided is accurate. An unsigned form is incomplete and invalid.

Additionally, individuals sometimes fail to provide the necessary documentation to verify their identity and employment eligibility. The I-9 requires specific documents, and not presenting the correct ones can result in an inability to complete the form properly.

Using outdated versions of the form is another common mistake. The USCIS periodically updates the I-9 form, and using an old version can lead to compliance issues. Always check for the most current version before filling it out.

Some people neglect to read the instructions thoroughly. The I-9 form comes with guidelines that clarify how to fill it out correctly. Skipping these instructions can lead to misunderstandings and errors.

Another issue arises when employees fail to provide their documentation in a timely manner. If an employee does not present their documents within the three-day window, the employer cannot complete the I-9 process.

Finally, many individuals do not keep copies of the completed I-9 form. Employers are required to retain these forms for a specific period. Not having a copy can complicate future audits or inquiries.

By being aware of these common mistakes, both employers and employees can navigate the I-9 process more effectively. Attention to detail and adherence to guidelines will help ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary complications.

Documents used along the form

The USCIS I-9 form is essential for verifying the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired for work in the United States. Several other forms and documents often accompany the I-9 to ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations. Below is a list of these commonly used forms and documents.

Form W-4: This form is used by employees to indicate their tax situation to their employer. It helps determine the amount of federal income tax to withhold from an employee's paycheck.
Form 1040: This is the individual income tax return form that U.S. citizens and residents must file annually. It reports income, deductions, and credits to calculate tax liability.
Form I-765: This application allows certain individuals to request employment authorization. It is often used by non-citizens who are eligible to work in the U.S. under specific conditions.
Form I-20: Issued to international students, this form certifies that a student has been accepted into a U.S. educational program and is eligible for a student visa.
Form DS-2019: This form is used for exchange visitors participating in programs approved by the U.S. Department of State. It is essential for obtaining a J-1 visa.
Form I-131: This application is used to apply for a re-entry permit, refugee travel document, or advance parole. It is often relevant for individuals seeking to travel outside the U.S. while maintaining their immigration status.
Form I-485: This application allows individuals to apply for a green card to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. It is part of the adjustment of status process.

Understanding these forms and documents is crucial for both employers and employees. They help ensure compliance with U.S. immigration and employment laws, protecting both parties in the employment relationship.

Similar forms

The USCIS I-9 form is a crucial document used for verifying the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. Several other documents share similarities with the I-9 form in terms of purpose, function, or the information they collect. Below is a list of nine documents that are comparable to the I-9 form:

W-4 Form: This form is used by employees to indicate their tax withholding preferences. Like the I-9, it is essential for employers to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
Form 1099: This document reports income received by independent contractors. While it serves a different purpose, both forms are used for employment-related reporting.
Form I-20: Issued to international students, this form certifies their eligibility for study in the U.S. Similar to the I-9, it verifies the individual's legal status in the country.
Form DS-2019: This form is used for exchange visitors under the J-1 visa program. Like the I-9, it helps confirm the individual's eligibility to participate in specific programs in the U.S.
Form I-797: This notice is used by USCIS to communicate approval of immigration petitions. It verifies the status of individuals, similar to the verification purpose of the I-9.
Employment Verification Letter: Often required by lenders or landlords, this letter confirms an individual's employment status. It serves a similar verification function as the I-9 form.
Social Security Card: This card verifies an individual’s Social Security number and eligibility to work. Both the card and the I-9 are used to establish identity and work authorization.
Passport: A passport serves as a primary form of identification and can also verify citizenship or immigration status, similar to the identification aspect of the I-9.
State ID or Driver’s License: These forms of identification are used to verify identity and residency. Like the I-9, they play a role in confirming an individual’s eligibility to work.

Understanding these documents can help individuals navigate employment requirements more effectively. Each form plays a unique role, yet they all contribute to the overarching goal of ensuring compliance with U.S. employment laws.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the USCIS I-9 form, it’s important to follow certain guidelines to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here are four things you should and shouldn't do:

Do: Fill out the form completely and accurately. Double-check your information for any mistakes.
Do: Provide the necessary identification documents. Make sure they are valid and acceptable under USCIS guidelines.
Don't: Leave any sections blank. If a section does not apply, indicate that clearly.
Don't: Use white-out or other correction methods on the form. If you make a mistake, simply cross it out and write the correct information.

Misconceptions

The USCIS I-9 form is a crucial document for employers and employees alike, yet several misconceptions persist about its purpose and requirements. Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure compliance and avoid potential issues. Here are five common misunderstandings regarding the I-9 form:

The I-9 form is only for new employees. Many believe that the I-9 form must only be completed for new hires. In reality, it is required for all employees who are working in the United States, regardless of their start date. This includes those who have been employed for years or are changing jobs.
Only U.S. citizens need to fill out the I-9 form. This is a common myth. The I-9 form must be completed by all employees, regardless of their citizenship status. Non-citizens must provide documentation that proves their eligibility to work in the U.S., but they are still required to complete the form.
Employers must keep the I-9 form for a specific number of years. While it is true that employers must retain the I-9 form, the duration is often misunderstood. Employers are required to keep the form for three years after the employee's hire date or one year after the employee's termination, whichever is longer.
All documents presented for the I-9 form must be original. Some people think that copies of documents are acceptable. However, only original documents are valid for the I-9 form. This means that employees must present original identification and eligibility documents to their employer.
Employers can choose which documents to accept. This misconception leads to confusion. Employers must accept documents from the lists provided on the I-9 form. They cannot arbitrarily decide which documents to accept or reject, as this could lead to discrimination claims.

By addressing these misconceptions, both employers and employees can better understand their responsibilities related to the I-9 form, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and fostering a fair workplace environment.

Key takeaways

Filling out the USCIS I-9 form correctly is crucial for both employers and employees. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

Understand the Purpose: The I-9 form is used to verify an employee's identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
Complete the Form Promptly: Employees must fill out Section 1 of the form on or before their first day of work.
Documentation is Essential: Employees must present valid identification documents from the lists provided in the form. Employers should ensure these documents are original and unexpired.
Employer's Responsibilities: Employers must complete Section 2 within three business days of the employee's start date, verifying the documents presented.
Keep Records: Employers must retain the I-9 form for a specific period, typically three years after the hire date or one year after employment ends, whichever is longer.
Be Aware of Penalties: Failing to comply with I-9 regulations can result in fines and other penalties, making it essential to adhere to the guidelines.

By following these takeaways, both employers and employees can ensure compliance with the requirements of the I-9 form, avoiding potential issues down the line.