Completing Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, is a crucial step for employers to ensure that their employees are authorized to work in the United States. Form I-9 is a critical document that requires attention to detail to avoid errors and potential penalties. In this article, we will break down the 5 essential steps to complete Form I-9 accurately and efficiently.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
The first step in completing Form I-9 is to gather the required documents from the employee. The employee must provide documentation that establishes their identity and employment authorization. The most common documents used for this purpose are:
- U.S. passport
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Driver's license
- State-issued ID card
Employers must ensure that the documents provided are genuine and relate to the employee presenting them.
Step 2: Complete Section 1: Employee Information and Attestation
Section 1: Employee Information and Attestation
In Section 1, the employee must provide their personal and contact information, including their name, date of birth, and address. The employee must also attest to their employment authorization status by checking one of the following boxes:
- A citizen of the United States
- A noncitizen national of the United States
- A lawful permanent resident
- An alien authorized to work
The employee must sign and date the form to certify that the information provided is accurate.
Step 3: Complete Section 2: Employer or Authorized Representative Review and Verification
Section 2: Employer or Authorized Representative Review and Verification
In Section 2, the employer or authorized representative must review the employee's documents and verify their authenticity. The employer must:
- Examine the documents to ensure they are genuine and relate to the employee
- Record the document title, issuing authority, and document number
- Verify that the documents are not expired
- Sign and date the form to certify that the verification was completed
Step 4: Complete Section 3: Reverification and Rehire
Section 3: Reverification and Rehire
In Section 3, the employer must update the form when the employee's employment authorization status changes or when the employee is rehired. The employer must:
- Reverify the employee's employment authorization status when the previous documentation expires
- Update the form when the employee's name or work authorization status changes
- Complete a new Form I-9 when the employee is rehired within three years of the date of the original form
Step 5: Store and Retain the Completed Form I-9
Store and Retain the Completed Form I-9
Finally, the employer must store and retain the completed Form I-9 for a period of three years from the date of hire or one year after the date of termination, whichever is later. The employer must also make the form available for inspection by authorized government officials.
By following these 5 essential steps, employers can ensure that their Form I-9 is completed accurately and efficiently, reducing the risk of errors and potential penalties.
Take Action!
Complete Form I-9 accurately and efficiently by following these 5 essential steps. Remember to gather required documents, complete Section 1, Section 2, and Section 3, and store and retain the completed form. If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below.
FAQs
What is the purpose of Form I-9?
+Form I-9 is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of employees in the United States.
What documents can an employee use to establish their identity and employment authorization?
+Employees can use documents such as a U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), driver's license, or state-issued ID card.
How long must an employer retain a completed Form I-9?
+Employers must retain a completed Form I-9 for a period of three years from the date of hire or one year after the date of termination, whichever is later.