5 I9 Forms

Introduction to I-9 Forms

The I-9 form is a crucial document used by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. All U.S. employers are required to complete an I-9 form for each employee they hire, including both citizens and non-citizens. The form is used to confirm that the employee is eligible to work in the United States and to prevent the hiring of individuals who are not authorized to work.

Understanding the I-9 Form

The I-9 form is typically a two-page document that consists of three main sections: Section 1, Section 2, and Section 3. Section 1 is completed by the employee and requires them to provide their personal information, including their name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. This section also asks the employee to attest to their citizenship or immigration status. Section 2 is completed by the employer and requires them to verify the employee’s identity and employment authorization by examining certain documents. These documents may include a U.S. passport, driver’s license, Social Security card, or other forms of identification. Section 3 is used to reverify the employee’s employment authorization if their initial authorization has expired.

Types of Documents Required for I-9 Forms

There are three categories of documents that can be used to verify an employee’s identity and employment authorization: * List A documents: These documents establish both identity and employment authorization. Examples include a U.S. passport, a permanent resident card, and an employment authorization document. * List B documents: These documents establish identity but not employment authorization. Examples include a driver’s license, a state ID card, and a school ID card. * List C documents: These documents establish employment authorization but not identity. Examples include a Social Security card, a birth certificate, and a certification of birth abroad.

Steps for Completing an I-9 Form

Here are the steps to follow when completing an I-9 form: * Ensure the employee completes Section 1 on their first day of work. * Review the employee’s documents and complete Section 2 within three business days of the employee’s first day of work. * Ensure Section 2 is completed accurately and thoroughly. * Keep the completed I-9 form on file for the required period. * Reverify the employee’s employment authorization if necessary.

📝 Note: Employers must retain completed I-9 forms for three years after the date of hire or one year after the date of termination, whichever is later.

I-9 Form Compliance

Compliance with I-9 form regulations is crucial to avoid fines and penalties. Here are some tips for ensuring compliance: * Ensure all employees complete an I-9 form on their first day of work. * Verify the authenticity of the documents presented by the employee. * Keep accurate and detailed records of the I-9 form completion process. * Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Completing I-9 Forms

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when completing I-9 forms: * Failing to complete the form on time. * Not verifying the employee’s documents. * Not keeping accurate records. * Not reverifying the employee’s employment authorization when necessary.

Section	Description
Section 1	Completed by the employee, requires personal information and attestation to citizenship or immigration status.
Section 2	Completed by the employer, requires verification of the employee's identity and employment authorization.
Section 3	Used to reverify the employee's employment authorization if their initial authorization has expired.

In summary, the I-9 form is a critical document used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. Employers must ensure compliance with I-9 form regulations to avoid fines and penalties. By understanding the I-9 form, the types of documents required, and the steps for completion, employers can ensure a smooth and compliant hiring process.