Form I-9
What this document covers
Form I-9, or the Employment Eligibility Verification form, is a legal document used in the United States to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment. All employers must complete this form for each employee to confirm that they are eligible to work in the U.S. This form is distinct from other employment forms as it specifically focuses on verifying employment eligibility as mandated by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
Main sections of this form
- Section 1: Employee Information, completed by the employee at the time of hire.
- Section 2: Employer Review and Verification, includes examining documents that confirm identity and employment eligibility.
- Section 3: Updating and Reverification, used for re-verification of employment eligibility if needed.
- Anti-Discrimination Notice: Ensures that employers do not discriminate against individuals based on their national origin or citizenship status.
When to use this document
Form I-9 should be used during the hiring process when an individual is offered a job. Employers need to complete this form within three business days of the employee's start date to comply with federal regulations. It is also required whenever an employee's work authorization needs to be reverified.
Who can use this document
- All employers in the United States hiring employees.
- Employers who need to verify eligibility of existing employees for continued employment.
- Employees seeking employment in the U.S. must complete this form as part of the hiring process.
Instructions for completing this form
- Identify the employee and enter personal information in Section 1, including name, address, and date of birth.
- Review and examine the required identification documents presented by the employee in Section 2, ensuring they prove identity and work eligibility.
- Document the details of the identification provided by the employee in Section 2, including document title, issuing authority, and expiration date, if applicable.
- If necessary, complete Section 3 for re-verification when an employeeâs work authorization expires or if the employee is rehired within three years.
- Ensure both the employee and employer have signed wherever indicated on the form.
Notarization guidance
This form does not typically require notarization to be legally valid. However, some jurisdictions or document types may still require it. US Legal Forms provides secure online notarization powered by Notarize, available 24/7 for added convenience.
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Make edits, fill in missing information, and update formatting in US Legal Forms—just like you would in MS Word.
Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.
Sign and collect signatures with our SignNow integration. Send to multiple recipients, set reminders, and more. Go Premium to unlock E-Sign.
If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.
We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
Common mistakes
- Failing to complete the form within the required three business days of hire.
- Not signing the form in the designated areas by both employee and employer.
- Accepting photocopies of identification documents instead of original copies (except for specific exceptions).
- Not keeping the form accessible for potential inspections by government officials.
Advantages of online completion
- Convenient access to fill out and submit electronically, saving time and resources.
- Easily editable in case of errors, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Secure platform that safeguards personal information and ensures data integrity.
Legal use & context
- Form I-9 is legally required for all hires to ensure compliance with immigration laws.
- Failure to complete the form as required can lead to penalties for employers.
- Employers may face civil or criminal sanctions for knowingly hiring unauthorized workers.
Summary of main points
- Form I-9 is essential for verifying employee eligibility in the U.S.
- All new hires must complete the form regardless of citizenship status.
- Employers must retain the form and documents for legal compliance.
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FAQ
Every employer in the U.S., from the smallest business to the largest multi-national employer, is required to obtain a Form I-9 on every employee to verify the individual's identity and that they are legally authorized to work in the U.S. This is a government requirement.
Because of ongoing precautions related to COVID-19, DHS has extended the Form I-9 flexibility policy an additional 60 days until March 31, 2021. This provision only applies to employers and workplaces that are operating remotely.
You are required to complete and retain a Form I-9 for every employee you hire for employment in the United States, except for:Independent contractors or individuals providing labor to you if they are employed by a contractor providing contract services (for example, employee leasing or temporary agencies).
To download the form from the Chrome web browser: Click the link to the Form I-9 you wish to download. Click the arrow that displays in the PDF file download box that will appear in the bottom left-hand corner.
Use Form I-9 to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. All U.S. employers must properly complete Form I-9 for each individual they hire for employment in the United States.
Use Form I-9 to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. All U.S. employers must properly complete Form I-9 for each individual they hire for employment in the United States. This includes citizens and noncitizens.
You may not use the I-9 form as part of the applicant screening process or background check;If the new hire does not present acceptable identification documents by the end of three business days after the first day of work for pay, you may terminate the employee for failing to complete the I-9 form.
The short answer is that yes, a Form I-9 can be completed prior to the start date of an employee.
