Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification: Who Qualifies and What You Get

Form I-9 is a federal requirement used to verify that every person hired to work in the United States is legally authorized to do so. This process is a standard part of the onboarding experience for any new employee.

👤Who it's for

This requirement applies to all new hires working within the United States. Regardless of your citizenship status or the type of work you are beginning, you must participate in this verification process as part of your employment setup.

🎁What you get

By completing this process, you receive formal verification of your identity and your legal authorization to work. This step ensures that both the employer and the employee are in compliance with federal standards regarding employment eligibility.

💰What it costs you

There is no monetary fee required from the employee to complete this process. However, it does require your time and the preparation of specific items. You are required to produce physical documents for inspection to prove your identity and work status. This inspection must be completed within three business days of your hire date.

⚠️The catch to know

The most common issue occurs when people attempt to use expired documents or fail to update the form correctly. It is essential that all documents presented are current and that all information provided on the paperwork is accurate and up to date to avoid issues during an audit.

📝How to apply

1. Notify your employer that you are ready to complete your employment eligibility verification.
2. Gather the necessary physical documents that prove your identity and your authorization to work.
3. Present these original documents to your employer for a physical inspection.
4. Ensure all information entered on the form is accurate and reflects your current status.
5. Visit the official portal for more details: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9