Form I-9 is a mandatory document that every US employer must complete for each person they hire. It verifies that employees are legally authorized to work in the United States through a combination of identity and work authorization documents.
The Verification Process
The form has three sections. Section 1 is completed by the employee on or before their first day of work. Section 2 requires the employer to physically examine original documents proving identity and work authorization within three business days of the start date. Section 3 handles reverification when work authorization expires.
Acceptable Documents
Employees can present documents from List A (which prove both identity and work authorization, like a US passport) or a combination of List B (identity, like a driver's license) and List C (work authorization, like a Social Security card). Employers cannot specify which documents to provide.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
I-9 violations can result in civil fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per form, depending on the nature and frequency of violations. Employers must retain forms for three years after hire or one year after termination, whichever is later.