Form I 9, Employment Eligibility Verification Enchilada Express

What is the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification

The Form I-9 is a document used in the United States to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment. Employers must complete this form for each employee, ensuring compliance with federal immigration laws. The form requires information about the employee's identity and eligibility to work in the U.S., including details from specific identification documents.

Steps to Complete the Form I-9

Completing the Form I-9 involves several key steps:

1. Provide personal information: Enter your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number.
2. Choose your citizenship status: Indicate whether you are a U.S. citizen, a noncitizen national, or a lawful permanent resident.
3. Document verification: Present valid identification documents that establish your identity and employment authorization. This can include a U.S. passport, a driver’s license, or a combination of other documents.
4. Employer review: The employer must review the documents and complete their section of the form, confirming the employee's eligibility.
5. Sign and date: Both the employee and employer must sign and date the form to certify that the information provided is accurate.

Required Documents for the Form I-9

When completing the Form I-9, employees must provide documentation that proves their identity and employment eligibility. The documents are categorized into three lists:

• 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 state-issued driver’s license or a school ID card.
• List C: Documents that establish employment authorization, such as a Social Security card or a birth certificate.

Legal Use of the Form I-9

The Form I-9 is legally required under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Employers must retain completed forms for a specified period and make them available for inspection by authorized government officials. Failure to comply with I-9 regulations can result in penalties, including fines and other legal repercussions.

How to Obtain the Form I-9

The Form I-9 can be obtained from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. It is available in PDF format, which can be printed and filled out. Employers may also provide the form directly to new hires as part of the onboarding process. It is important to use the most current version of the form to ensure compliance with regulations.

Form Submission Methods

The completed Form I-9 does not need to be submitted to any government agency. Instead, it must be kept on file by the employer for a designated period. Employers should store the forms securely, either in physical or electronic format, to ensure they can be accessed if needed for audits or inspections.