2019-2025 Form

What is the I-9 Form

The I-9 Form, officially known as the Employment Eligibility Verification 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. This form is essential for employers to ensure that their employees are legally eligible to work in the country. The I-9 Form collects information about the employee's identity, including their name, address, and date of birth, as well as their immigration status. It must be completed by both the employer and the employee, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

How to use the I-9 Form

Using the I-9 Form involves several key steps to ensure compliance with federal regulations. First, employers must provide the form to new hires within three days of their start date. The employee must then fill out Section One of the form, providing personal information and attesting to their work eligibility. In Section Two, the employer must review the employee's documentation, such as a passport or driver's license, to verify their identity and work authorization. After completing both sections, the form must be signed and dated by both parties. It is important to keep the completed I-9 Form on file for a specified period, as it may be subject to inspection by government agencies.

Steps to complete the I-9 Form

Completing the I-9 Form involves a systematic approach to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Obtain the latest version of the I-9 Form from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
2. Fill out Section One, providing your personal information, including your name, address, and date of birth.
3. Indicate your citizenship or immigration status by checking the appropriate box.
4. Sign and date Section One to certify that the information provided is accurate.
5. In Section Two, present original documents that establish your identity and employment eligibility to your employer.
6. Your employer will complete Section Two by documenting the details of your provided documents.
7. Both you and your employer must sign and date the form to finalize the process.

Required Documents

To complete the I-9 Form, employees must present specific documents that establish their identity and work authorization. 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 driver's license or state ID card.
• List C: Documents that establish employment authorization, such as a Social Security card or birth certificate.

Employees must provide either one document from List A or one document from List B and one from List C to fulfill the requirements of the I-9 Form.

Legal use of the I-9 Form

The I-9 Form is legally mandated by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Employers are required to use the form to verify the employment eligibility of their employees. Failure to comply with I-9 requirements can result in significant penalties, including fines and legal repercussions. It is crucial for employers to maintain accurate records of completed I-9 Forms and to ensure that they are filled out correctly to avoid issues during audits or inspections by immigration authorities. Additionally, the form must be stored securely and retained for a designated period, typically three years after the date of hire or one year after the employee's termination, whichever is longer.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Employers who fail to comply with I-9 Form requirements may face severe penalties. These can include:

• Fines ranging from $250 to $2,200 per violation, depending on the severity and frequency of the violations.
• Criminal penalties for knowingly hiring or continuing to employ unauthorized workers.
• Potential loss of business licenses or contracts.

It is essential for employers to understand their obligations regarding the I-9 Form and to implement proper training and procedures to ensure compliance.