Understanding the Employment Eligibility Verification Form: A Complete Guide

Q: What documents do I need to provide for Form I-9?

You must provide documents that establish both your identity and your eligibility to work, such as a passport or a driver&#039;s license along with a Social Security card.

Q: How long do I need to keep Form I-9 on file?

Employers must retain Form I-9 for three years after the date of hire or one year after employment ends, whichever is later.

Definition & Meaning

The Employment Eligibility Verification Form, commonly known as Form I-9, is a document used in the United States to confirm that individuals hired after November 6, 1986, are authorized to work. This one-page form was developed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ensure that employers verify the identity and employment authorization of their employees. Completing this form is a crucial step in the hiring process for all employers in the U.S.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

The Employment Eligibility Verification Form is primarily used in employment law. Employers are required to complete this form for each new hire to comply with federal immigration laws. The form helps prevent the hiring of individuals who are not authorized to work in the United States. Users can manage this process themselves with the appropriate legal templates, such as those provided by US Legal Forms, which are drafted by experienced attorneys.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, when a company hires a new employee, they must ask the employee to complete Form I-9. The employee will present documents, such as a passport or driver's license, to prove their identity and work eligibility. The employer then reviews these documents and completes their section of the form.

(hypothetical example) A restaurant owner hires a new chef and ensures they complete Form I-9, verifying their eligibility to work in the U.S. before their first day.

Relevant laws & statutes

The primary law governing the Employment Eligibility Verification Form is the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). This act mandates that employers verify the employment eligibility of their employees and outlines the penalties for non-compliance. Other relevant regulations can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), specifically Title 8.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are an employer, ensure that you provide Form I-9 to all new hires and assist them in completing it accurately. Retain the completed forms for the required period. If you are an employee, be prepared to present acceptable documents that prove your identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. For assistance, consider using US Legal Forms for ready-to-use templates. If you face complexities in the process, it may be wise to seek legal advice.

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Quick facts

Attribute	Details
Form Type	Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9)
Who Completes It	All new employees hired in the U.S.
Retention Period	Three years after the date of hire or one year after employment ends, whichever is later
Penalties for Non-Compliance	Fines and potential legal repercussions for employers

Key takeaways

The Employment Eligibility Verification Form is essential for confirming work authorization in the U.S.
All employers must complete this form for each new hire, regardless of employment type.
Acceptable documents must be provided by employees to verify their identity and eligibility.
Non-compliance can result in significant penalties for employers.
Utilizing legal templates can simplify the process of managing Form I-9.