The Employment Eligibility Verification form, or Form I-9, must be on file for every employee who was hired after Nov. 6, 1986.
Employees should complete Section 1 of Form I-9 no later than their first day of work for pay. Employers must complete Section 2 of the form no later than the third business day when an employee starts work for pay. To complete Section 2, employers must check specific documents listed in the form. Reviewing these documents allows employers to verify their new employees’ identity and employment eligibility. Employers will need to document their review of these documents on the form.
A list of acceptable documents (for example, a U.S. passport or driver’s license) and combinations of documents can be found on page two of the Form I-9. Employers cannot dictate which document(s) the employee chooses to present. Employees who cannot present the necessary documents within three days of hire should be terminated.
When in doubt, complete or update Form I-9. Eligible employees will be able to provide the necessary documents. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides more information.
