Employment Eligibility Verification (2024)

Use Form I-9 to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. All U.S. employers must properly complete Form I-9 for every individual they hire for employment in the United States. This includes citizens and noncitizens. Both employees and employers (or authorized representatives of the employer) must complete the form.

On the form, an employee must attest to their employment authorization. The employee must also present their employer with acceptable documents as evidence of identity and employment authorization. The employer must examine these documents to determine whether they reasonably appear to be genuine and relate to the employee, then record the document information on the employee’s Form I-9. Certain employers who choose to remotely examine the employee’s documentation under a DHS-authorized alternative procedure rather than via physical examination must indicate they did so by checking the box provided.For more information, review the Special Instructions tab below.

Download Instructions

USCIS provides information on Downloading and Printing Immigration Forms such as Form I-9 on your laptop or PC.

To open Form I-9 on an Apple mobile device:

  • Download a PDF filler application to your device, if necessary.
  • Click the link below using your device. Note that this form view is NOT fillable.
  • Select the Upload button, then choose a PDF filler application on your device to open a fillable form.

To open Form I-9 on an Android mobile device:

  • Download a PDF filler application to your device, if necessary.
  • Click the link below using your device to open a fillable form.

Forms and Document Downloads

Form I-9 (Please see the Download Instructions tab on how to download this version.) (PDF, 477.5 KB)

Instructions for Form I-9 (PDF, 290.66 KB)

Form I-9 in Spanish (Please see the Special Instructions tab on how to use this version.) (PDF, 475.35 KB)

Instructions for Form I-9 in Spanish (PDF, 402.84 KB)

Form Details

Edition Date

08/01/23. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.

Dates are listed in mm/dd/yy format.

If you complete and print this form to mail it, make sure that the form edition date and page numbers are visible at the bottom of all pages and that all pages are from the same form edition. If any of the form’s pages are missing or are from a different form edition, we may reject your form.

If you need help downloading and printing forms, read our instructions.

Where to File

Do not file Form I-9 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Employers must:

  • Have a completed Form I-9 on file for each person on their payroll who is required to complete the form;
  • Retain and store Forms I-9 for three years after the date of hire, or for one year after employment is terminated, whichever is later; and
  • Make their forms available for inspection if requested by authorized U.S. government officials from the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Labor, or Department of Justice.

Filing Fee

You can find the filing fee for Form I-9 by visiting our Fee Schedule page.

Special Instructions

The Form I-9 link consists of four parts:

  • Page 1 contains the sections that all new employees and their employers must complete.
    • New employees must attest to their employment authorization in Section 1 and present acceptable documents to their employer.
    • Employers must examine the employee’s documents and record the document information in Section 2.
    • Certain employers who choose to remotely examine the employee’s documentation under a DHS-authorized alternative procedure must check the box in Section 2 to indicate they did so.
  • Page 2 contains the Lists of Acceptable Documents that employers must provide to employees, either as a hard copy or as a hyperlink to this form.
    • Employers do not need to retain this page with an employee’s Form I-9.
  • Page 3 contains Supplement A, Preparer and/or Translator Certification for Section 1.
    • Employers must ensure that preparers or translators who assist an employee in completing Section 1 complete this page, then retain it with the employee’s Form I-9.
    • If the employee does not use a preparer or translator, employers do not need to print, provide, or retain this page with an employee’s Form I-9.
  • Page 4 contains Supplement B, Reverification and Rehire (formerly Section 3).
    • Employers must complete and retain this page when an employee requires reverification of their employment authorization or, in some cases, employment authorization document; or if the employer chooses to document a rehire.
    • Employers do not need to print, provide, or retain this page with an employee’s Form I-9 unless and until an employee requires reverification or the employer chooses to document a rehire.

Employers must ensure that employees have access to the Instructions for completing Form I-9, by providing them either a hard copy or a hyperlink. Also, the hyperlink on the main Form I-9 webpage returns you to the Instructions above.

Employers must retain all completed pages of Form I-9 for a designated period and make them available for inspection by authorized government officers.

Only employers located in Puerto Rico may complete the Spanish-language version of Form I-9 instead of the English-language version. Any employer may use the Spanish-language form and instructions as a translation tool.

Form I-9 is a fillable form, which means you can type your answers directly into the form, except for the signature blocks. Employers and employees using this fillable form must print and manually sign it rather than typing or electronically affixing a signature because this fillable form does not meet DHS standards for electronic Form I-9 generation, storage and retention systems. See 8 CFR section 274a.2. Failure to meet DHS standards for electronically generated, stored and/or retained Form I-9 may result in fines and other penalties.

Related Links

  • Handbook for Employers M-274
  • I-9 Central
  • E-Verify
Employment Eligibility Verification (2024)

FAQs

What is verification of employment eligibility? ›

Use Form I-9 to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. All U.S. employers must properly complete Form I-9 for every individual they hire for employment in the United States.

How do I complete employment eligibility verification? ›

The employee must provide their full legal name, contact information, and attest to their citizenship or immigration status. The employee must also provide documents that establish their identity and employment eligibility. Acceptable documents are listed on the form, and employees must choose from these options.

How do I prove employment eligibility in the United States? ›

To prove employment authorization, USCIS will accept:

a Social Security card. a U.S. birth or birth abroad certificate. a Native American tribal document. a U.S. citizen ID card.

What is the E-Verify system for employment eligibility? ›

E-Verify works by comparing the information entered from the employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, with records available to DHS and SSA. The E-Verify MOU, user manuals, and tutorial contain instructions and other information on E-Verify procedures and requirements.

What does employment eligibility mean? ›

Refers to the process of verifying employee identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

What is checked in employment verification? ›

Employment verifications confirm a candidate's previous work history, including past employers, dates of employment, and positions held. A professional reference check provides a more in-depth look at a candidate's work experience and character through interviews with previous employers or colleagues.

What is an example of proof of eligibility to work? ›

Documents that Establish Employment Authorization

Social Security account number card that is unrestricted. A laminated card is acceptable. A card that includes any of the following restrictive wording is not an acceptable List C document: NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT.

What are two documents that employers may ask for to confirm your eligibility to work? ›

You can choose one from this list, as these documents prove your identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
  • A non-expired United States passport or United States passport card.
  • An indefinite resident card.
Feb 27, 2023

Can I do E-Verify myself? ›

The E-Verify Self Check (“Self Check”) service is a free, Internet- based application that can be used by any U.S. worker over the age of 16 to confirm his or her employment eligibility.

How much does an E-Verify cost? ›

E-Verify is the only free, fast, online service of its kind that electronically confirms an employee's information against millions of government records and provides results within as little as three to five seconds. To learn more about the verification process, visit the verification process page.

How to verify employment in the USA? ›

Those requesting employment or salary verification may access THE WORK NUMBER® online at https://www.theworknumber.com/verifiers/ using DOL's code: 10915. You may also contact the service directly via phone at: 1-800-367-5690.

Do most employers use E-Verify? ›

All federal contractors and subcontractors are required to use the program for all employees except those who were hired before November 6, 1986. For other employers, participation is voluntary. E-Verify is administered by SSA and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

What does verification of eligibility mean? ›

In simple terms, it's checking that a patient's health insurance is active and covers the services they need. Here's the quick answer for those in a rush: It confirms insurance coverage is active. Ensures the services needed are covered.

What does it mean to provide employment verification? ›

Employment verification is the process of confirming a job candidate's past work history. Doing so ensures the candidate has the experience necessary to perform the intended job well.

In what states is E-Verify mandatory? ›

Currently, 22 states—Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia—require the use of E-Verify for at least some public and/or ...

How do I know if my employer uses E-Verify? ›

Use the E-Verify search tool to find employers who are currently enrolled in E-Verify. Your search will display the following information: Employer name – The name the employer used when they enrolled in E-Verify.

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