🧷 How Employers Complete Form I-9
Verify work authorization correctly for every new hire.
💰
Government form itself free; E-Verify compliance costs staff time only
⏱️
Section 2 deadline three business days after employment begins
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📋 Documents you'll need
- Printed current Form I-9 edition
- Employee identity and work authorization documents
- Company verification policy checklist
- E-Verify account if required
🪜 Step-by-step
- Provide Section 1 to employees on their first day letting self-selection among citizenship categories.
- Inspect original List A or combined List B plus C documents within three business days recording document details accurately.
- Complete preparer certifications before missing deadlines; correct errors using lined corrections not white-out.
- Run cases through E-Verify when mandated by contract law or state requirements after I-9 completion.
- Store completed forms separately from personnel files, retaining either three years post-hire or one year post-separation whichever comes later.
| Estimated cost | Government form itself free; E-Verify compliance costs staff time only |
|---|---|
| Typical timeline | Section 2 deadline three business days after employment begins |
Note This guide is general information and procedures, fees, and rules can change and vary by state or agency. The official authority is always the relevant government office and its official website. See our Disclaimer.
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Frequently asked questions
Remote hires complicate things?
Alternative examination procedures now permit remote verification for E-Verify participants under published guidance.
Copies mandatory?
Keeping copies recommended though optional uniformly applied policies matter most during audits.
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