Form I-9

Definition

Form I-9 is a document that employers are required to use to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired to work in the United States. 

What is a Form I-9?

The primary purpose of Form I-9 is to verify the identity and employment eligibility of employees hired to work in the United States. It helps employers ensure that they are complying with immigration laws and hiring only individuals who are legally authorized to work in the country.

The verification process involves the employee completing Section 1 of Form I-9, providing their personal information, citizenship or immigration status, and attesting to their employment eligibility. The employer then reviews the employee’s documents to verify their identity and employment eligibility and completes Section 2. The employer is required to examine original documents provided by the employee, and determine whether they reasonably appear to be genuine and relate to the employee presenting them.

Employers are required to retain Form I-9 for each employee for a specified period of time, either three years after the date of hire or one year after the date of termination, whichever is later. Form I-9 must be kept on file and made available for inspection by authorized government officials upon request.

Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with Form I-9 requirements and may be subject to penalties for violations. Penalties for non-compliance can range from fines to criminal prosecution, depending on the severity of the violation.

Example of a Form I-9

Form I-9 for John Smith

Section 1: Employee information

• Name: John Smith
• Date of birth: 01/01/1990
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen
• Date of hire: 03/15/2024

Signature: [John Smith’s signature]

Section 2: Employer review and verification

• Document title: Passport
• Document number: 123456789
• Expiration date: 01/01/2030
• Date of hire: 03/15/2024

Signature: [Employer’s signature]

In this example, John Smith completes Section 1 of the Form I-9 and the employer then verifies his identity and work authorization by examining his passport and completes Section 2 of the form accordingly.