Forms 101: Filling out the I-9 Form

Below is a full transcript of this video. It has not been edited or reviewed for accuracy or readability.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires employers to complete an I-9 form to verify the identity and employment eligibility of new employees. There are three parts to the I-9 form. The employee completes the first section and may have assistance from a translator or preparer. The employer completes the last two sections. In this video, we’ll explain the main parts of each section.

In this section, you provide your personal information such as your address, telephone number, birth date, and so forth. You are also required to declare whether you are a U.S. citizen or have the legal right to work in the country. You have to sign this section stating that you are telling the truth. If there are untruthful answers the government can punish a person, including fines or even imprisonment.

If you completed the form on your own, you may simply check the box. If a preparer or translator helped you complete the form, that person is required to complete this section.

Your employer completes this section after analyzing the documents you provide. Acceptable identification documents are included in lists A, B, and C on the last page of the I-9 form. Examples of acceptable documents include a U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card, Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card, Federal or State issued identification cards, among others. Documentation can be a combination of documents and your employer will assist you in this process.

This section is completed by your employer in the event that you are returning to work at a company or reverification is required for some reason. Generally, you and your employer complete the I-9 form, one time, early in the process of starting a job. For new employees, the I-9 specifically states, “Employees must complete and sign Section 1 of Form I-9 no later than the first day of employment, but not before accepting a job offer.” You must provide your documents within three business days of your first day of employment because your employer must complete Section 2 within three business days of that day.

The I-9 form is used to verify workers’ identity and eligibility to work in the United States. You complete section one and may use a preparer or translator. Your employer completes the second and third sections. The I-9 form is one of the important, required documents you complete when you get a job.