i9

I-9, or Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, is a United States federal form used by employers to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States.

The form was established by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Employers must complete Form I-9 for new hires and retain it for a specified period. The process can be paper-based or electronic.

Structure and process: Section 1 is completed by the employee at or before hire; Section 2 is completed by the employer after examining documents; Section 3 is used to update or reverificate if needed.

Document lists: List A documents prove identity and employment authorization; List B documents prove identity; List C documents prove employment authorization. Employers must inspect documents in a timely manner and ensure authenticity.

E-Verify is an optional federal program that some employers participate in to electronically confirm work authorization, subject to state laws. Participation is separate from Form I-9 and is not universal across all employers.

Retention and penalties: The form must be retained for either three years after the date of hire or one year after employment ends, whichever is later. Noncompliance can result in civil penalties and, in certain cases, criminal charges, depending on the severity and nature of the violation.

Other uses: The term I-9 may refer to other things outside the U.S. employment context, such as technology products (for example, Intel Core i9 processors) or other designations, though the Form I-9 is the most common reference in employment law. Context determines the intended meaning.