What is the purpose of an I-9 Form?

The government introduced the I-9 Form under a 1986 law to restrict employers from hiring individuals without proper work authorization and requiring employers to verify all new hires' employment status. By completing an I-9 Form, employers document that they’ve reviewed each employee’s identification and work eligibility. This process helps businesses comply with federal law and ensures a proper start for new hires.

When do you need to complete an I-9 Form?

New employees must complete an I-9 Form on their first day of work. You must review their ID documents and complete your section within three business days of their start date. To stay on track, many companies include an I-9 Form with other onboarding documents, like the W-4, to streamline the process.

How long do you need to keep an I-9 Form?

Employers must keep a copy of all current employees' I-9 Forms. After an employee leaves, employers are required to retain that employee's I-9 Form for three years from their hire date or one year after their departure, whichever is later. These forms should be stored separately from other employee records to make them easier to access if the government requests them.