Form I-9
Employment Eligibility Verification
Verify the identity and work authorization of every person hired to work in the United States — completed by the employee and the employer.
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What is Form I-9?
Form I-9 is required for every employee hired in the US, citizen or not. It has two main parts: Section 1, which the employee completes on or before their first day of work, and Section 2, which the employer completes within three business days of the start date after examining the employee's original documents.
The employee presents either one document from List A (which proves both identity and work authorization, such as a US passport) or one document from List B (identity) plus one from List C (work authorization, such as a Social Security card).
Employers keep the completed I-9 on file — not sent to the government — and must produce it for inspection. It must be retained for three years after the hire date or one year after employment ends, whichever is later.
- Who needs it
- Every US employer, for every employee hired after November 6, 1986. Both the employee and an authorized representative of the employer complete parts of it.
- Deadline
- Section 1: completed by the employee no later than their first day of paid work (but not before accepting the job offer). Section 2: completed by the employer within three business days of the first day of work.
- How to submit
- Do not mail Form I-9 anywhere. The employer retains it (on paper or electronically) and presents it only if requested by DHS, the Department of Labor, or the Department of Justice.
Form I-9 — line-by-line
Section 1 — Employee information and attestation
The employee's legal name, other names used, address, date of birth, and (optionally) SSN, email and phone. Then attest to citizenship / immigration status by checking one box and providing the required numbers.
Section 1 — Preparer/translator certification
Complete Supplement A only if someone helped the employee complete Section 1.
Section 2 — Employer review and verification
The employer records the title, issuing authority, number and expiration date of the document(s) the employee presented, and enters the first day of employment.
Section 2 — Certification
The employer's authorized representative signs, attesting they physically examined the documents and they appear genuine and relate to the employee.
Supplement B — Reverification and rehires
Used later if work authorization expires, the employee is rehired, or a name changes. Not part of the initial hire.
Form I-9 — frequently asked questions
Who fills out Form I-9?+
Both parties. The employee completes Section 1; the employer completes Section 2 after inspecting the employee's original documents.
Where do I send Form I-9?+
Nowhere. The employer keeps it on file and only produces it for an authorized government inspection.
What documents does the employee need?+
One document from List A, or one from List B plus one from List C. The lists are printed on the form's instructions page.
How long must an employer keep the I-9?+
Until the later of three years after the date of hire or one year after the date employment ends.
Can Section 2 documents be reviewed over video?+
Only qualified employers enrolled in E-Verify and in good standing may use the DHS alternative (remote) document examination procedure. Otherwise the review must be in person.
Related forms
The blank Form I-9 offered here is the version published by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Official page and instructions .
PDFCure is not a government agency and does not provide tax, legal, or immigration advice. This page is general information — for your specific situation, follow the official instructions or consult a qualified professional. Always download the current edition from the agency before filing. Revision referenced: Edition 01/20/25.