What is Form I-9 and why must I complete it for my U.S. employer?

Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, is a mandatory document used by U.S. employers to verify the identity and employment authorization of every new employee hired to work in the United States. Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), employers are legally required to ensure that all employees—whether U.S. citizens or foreign nationals—are eligible to work in the country.

As an employee, you must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 by your first day of work. You will be required to present original documents from the 'List of Acceptable Documents' to your employer. These documents prove both your identity and your employment authorization, such as a U.S. Passport, a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), or a combination of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and a Social Security card. The employer must examine these documents in your presence within three business days of your start date. It is important to note that the employer cannot specify which documents you must present; you have the right to choose from the provided list. Failure to complete this form correctly can lead to legal complications for both the employer and the employee.