I-9 Form

Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) is the federal form that employers must complete for every new hire to verify the employee's identity and authorization to work in the United States. I-9 compliance is enforced by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Employers must complete Section 1 of the I-9 with the employee on or before the first day of work. Section 2, where the employer examines and records identity and work authorization documents, must be completed within three business days of the hire date.

Employers must retain I-9 forms for three years after the date of hire or one year after the date of termination, whichever is later. ICE audits can result in significant fines for I-9 violations — even technical errors can result in penalties.