Blank USCIS I-9 Template

The USCIS I-9 form is a document required by the U.S. government to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. Completing this form is essential for both employers and employees to ensure compliance with immigration laws. To get started on filling out the form, click the button below.

Article Structure

The USCIS I-9 form plays a crucial role in the employment process for both employers and employees in the United States. This form is essential for verifying the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired for work in the country. Employers must ensure that they complete the I-9 form accurately and within a specified timeframe, typically within three days of an employee's start date. The form requires employees to provide specific documentation that proves their identity and legal authorization to work. Commonly accepted documents include a U.S. passport, a permanent resident card, or various combinations of identification and work authorization documents. Employers are responsible for maintaining these records and may face penalties for non-compliance. Understanding the nuances of the I-9 form is vital for fostering a compliant and efficient workplace, as failure to adhere to its requirements can lead to significant legal and financial repercussions.

Form Sample

	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

⇩ PDF

Document Specifications

Fact Name	Description
Purpose of the I-9 Form	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 It	All employers must ensure that every new hire completes the I-9 form, regardless of their citizenship status.
Completion Timeline	The I-9 form must be completed within three days of the employee's start date.
Document Requirements	Employees must provide valid documents that establish both identity and employment authorization. A list of acceptable documents is provided on the form.
Retention Period	Employers are required to retain the I-9 form for three years after the date of hire or for one year after the employee's termination, whichever is longer.
Penalties for Non-Compliance	Employers who fail to properly complete and retain I-9 forms may face civil fines and penalties.
State-Specific Forms	Some states may have additional requirements or specific forms that must be completed alongside the I-9. For example, California has its own laws regarding employee verification.
Electronic I-9	Employers are permitted to complete and store I-9 forms electronically, provided they comply with the regulations set by USCIS.
Updates to the Form	The I-9 form is periodically updated by USCIS. Employers should ensure they are using the most current version to avoid compliance issues.

Steps to Filling Out USCIS I-9

After gathering the necessary documents, you are ready to fill out the USCIS I-9 form. This form is essential for verifying the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired for work in the United States. Follow these steps to complete the form accurately.

Begin by entering your full name in the designated fields. Include your last name, first name, and middle initial, if applicable.
Provide your address, including street number and name, city or town, state, and ZIP code.
Fill in your date of birth using the format MM/DD/YYYY.
Enter your Social Security number in the appropriate field. If you do not have one, leave this blank.
Indicate your citizenship status by checking the appropriate box for either a citizen, noncitizen national, or lawful permanent resident.
If you are a noncitizen, provide your Alien Registration Number or Admission Number, if applicable.
In the next section, list your employment start date. Use the format MM/DD/YYYY.
Sign and date the form at the bottom of the section, certifying that the information you provided is true and accurate.

Once you have completed the form, keep it in your records. Employers must retain the I-9 form for a specified period and make it available for inspection by authorized officials. Ensure that you have all required documents ready for verification when needed.

More About 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 is essential for verifying the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for work in the U.S. It helps ensure that only eligible individuals are employed, which is crucial for maintaining a lawful workforce.

Who needs to fill out the I-9 form?

Every employer must have a completed I-9 form for each employee they hire, regardless of the employee's citizenship status. This includes full-time, part-time, and temporary employees. Both the employer and the employee must sign the form, confirming that the information provided is accurate and complete.

When should the I-9 form be completed?

The I-9 form should be completed within three days of the employee's start date. Employers must ensure that the form is filled out accurately and that the required documentation is provided to verify the employee's identity and work authorization. However, it is recommended to complete the form on or before the first day of work to avoid any compliance issues.

What documents are required for the I-9 form?

Employees must provide documentation that establishes their identity and employment authorization. The documents are categorized into three lists: List A includes documents that establish both identity and employment authorization, while List B includes documents that establish identity only, and List C includes documents that establish employment authorization only. Employees can choose to present one document from List A or one document from List B and one from List C.

How long should employers keep the I-9 form?

Employers are required to retain the I-9 form for three years after the employee's hire date or for one year after the employee's termination, whichever is longer. It is important to keep these forms accessible for inspection by authorized government officials, as failure to do so can result in penalties.

What happens if an employer does not complete the I-9 form?

Failure to complete the I-9 form can lead to serious consequences for employers, including fines and penalties. The U.S. government conducts audits to ensure compliance, and employers found to be non-compliant may face significant financial repercussions. Additionally, hiring individuals without proper verification can lead to legal complications.

Can an employee refuse to provide information for the I-9 form?

While employees have the right to refuse to provide certain information, doing so may result in the inability to work legally. The I-9 form is a requirement for employment in the U.S., and without the necessary documentation, an employer cannot verify the employee's eligibility to work. It is essential for employees to understand that providing accurate information is crucial for their employment status.

Where can I find the I-9 form?

The I-9 form is available for free on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. It is advisable to always use the most current version of the form, as updates can occur. Additionally, employers should familiarize themselves with the instructions provided by USCIS to ensure compliance with the form's requirements.

Common mistakes

Incorrect Dates: Many people forget to enter the correct date in the I-9 form. This can lead to delays or even rejection of the form. Always double-check the date you sign the form and the date of employment.
Missing Signatures: It’s crucial to sign the form. Some individuals overlook this step, thinking it’s optional. A missing signature can render the form invalid, so make sure to sign where required.
Wrong Document Selection: Applicants sometimes choose documents that do not meet the requirements. It’s important to refer to the list of acceptable documents and ensure you provide the correct ones.
Failure to Complete Sections: Each section of the I-9 form must be filled out completely. Leaving sections blank can cause problems. Review the form to ensure every part is addressed.

Documents used along the form

The USCIS I-9 form is an essential document for verifying the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired in the United States. However, it is often accompanied by several other forms and documents that help streamline the hiring process and ensure compliance with immigration laws. Below are some key documents frequently used alongside the I-9 form.

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 I-765: This application allows individuals to request authorization to work in the U.S. It is commonly used by non-citizens who need to obtain work permits.
Form I-20: Issued to international students, this form certifies that a student has been accepted into a program of study in the U.S. and is necessary for obtaining a student visa.
Form DS-2019: This document is used for individuals participating in the Exchange Visitor Program. It enables them to apply for a J-1 visa, which allows for temporary work and study in the U.S.

Understanding these forms and their purposes can make the hiring process smoother for both employers and employees. By ensuring all necessary documentation is in place, you can help foster a compliant and efficient workplace.

Similar forms

The Employment Eligibility Verification form, commonly known as the I-9 form, is similar to the W-4 form, which is used by employees to indicate their tax withholding preferences. Both forms are essential for employers to collect necessary information about their employees. While the I-9 verifies an employee's eligibility to work in the U.S., the W-4 helps determine the amount of federal income tax to withhold from an employee's paycheck. In both cases, accuracy is crucial, as errors can lead to compliance issues for employers and incorrect tax withholding for employees.

Another document that shares similarities with the I-9 is the Form 1040, the individual income tax return. While the I-9 focuses on employment eligibility, the Form 1040 is a critical document for reporting income and calculating tax liabilities. Both forms require personal information, such as name and address, and must be submitted to the appropriate government agency. Accurate completion of either form is vital for compliance with federal regulations, and both can have significant financial implications for individuals and businesses.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) Form SS-5, which is used to apply for a Social Security number, also bears resemblance to the I-9 form. Both documents require personal identification information and are used to establish a person's identity and eligibility for specific benefits. The I-9 confirms that an individual can work legally in the U.S., while the SS-5 is necessary for obtaining a Social Security number, which is often required for employment. Both forms play a crucial role in the employment process and are closely monitored by government agencies.

The Form I-20, issued by U.S. educational institutions to international students, is another document akin to the I-9. The I-20 serves as proof of eligibility for a nonimmigrant student status, while the I-9 verifies employment eligibility. Both documents require detailed personal information and must be presented to employers or government agencies. They are essential for maintaining legal status and compliance with U.S. immigration laws, highlighting the importance of accurate documentation in various contexts.

Lastly, the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is similar to the I-9 in that it involves verification of eligibility. The N-400 is used by lawful permanent residents to apply for U.S. citizenship, requiring extensive personal information and background checks. While the I-9 focuses on employment eligibility, both forms underscore the importance of providing accurate information to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws. Each document plays a vital role in the broader framework of immigration and employment regulations.

Dos and Don'ts

When completing the USCIS I-9 form, it's essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here are ten things to keep in mind:

Do: Provide accurate information. Double-check all entries for correctness.
Do: Use the most current version of the form. Make sure you have the latest updates from USCIS.
Do: Complete the form in a timely manner. Submit it within the required timeframe after hire.
Do: Sign and date the form. Your signature confirms the information provided is true.
Do: Keep copies of the completed form for your records. Documentation is crucial for future reference.

Don't: Leave any fields blank. Fill in all required sections to avoid delays.
Don't: Use correction fluid or tape. If you make a mistake, cross it out and write the correct information.
Don't: Provide false information. This can lead to serious legal consequences.
Don't: Forget to verify identity and employment eligibility documents. Ensure that all documents are valid and acceptable.
Don't: Submit the form late. Adhering to deadlines is crucial for compliance.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth process when completing the I-9 form. Always prioritize accuracy and honesty in your submissions.

Misconceptions

The USCIS I-9 form is an essential document for employers in the United States. However, several misconceptions about this form can lead to confusion and potential compliance issues. Here are five common misconceptions:

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 must also be completed for employees who are re-hired after a break in service of three years or more.
Employers can choose which documents to accept. Some think that employers have the discretion to accept any document they wish for verification. However, the I-9 form specifies a list of acceptable documents that must be adhered to, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
There is no deadline for completing the I-9 form. A common misconception is that employers can fill out the I-9 form at any time. In fact, the form must be completed within three days of the employee's start date.
Only U.S. citizens need to fill out the I-9 form. Some individuals believe that only U.S. citizens are required to complete the I-9. This is incorrect; all employees, regardless of their citizenship status, must complete the form to verify their eligibility to work in the U.S.
Once completed, the I-9 form is never reviewed. A misconception exists that once the I-9 form is filled out, it is not subject to review. In reality, employers must retain the I-9 form for a specific period and are subject to audits by immigration officials.

Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure compliance and prevent potential legal issues for employers and employees alike.

Key takeaways

Filling out the USCIS I-9 form is an essential process for employers and employees in the United States. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

The I-9 form verifies an employee's identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
Both the employer and the employee must complete sections of the form.
Employees must provide acceptable documents to prove their identity and work authorization.
Employers are responsible for ensuring the I-9 form is filled out correctly and retained for the required period.
The form must be completed within three days of the employee's start date.
Employers should not discriminate based on nationality or citizenship when completing the I-9 process.
There are specific lists of documents (List A, List B, and List C) that employees can provide.
Employers can use the USCIS E-Verify system to confirm an employee's work eligibility.
Failure to comply with I-9 requirements can lead to fines and penalties for employers.
It’s important to keep the I-9 forms secure and confidential, as they contain sensitive personal information.

Understanding these points can help ensure a smooth and compliant hiring process.