Get the free USCIS Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification

Get Form

We are not affiliated with any brand or entity on this form

Fill out

Complete the form online in a simple drag-and-drop editor.

eSign

Add your legally binding signature or send the form for signing.

Share

Share the form via a link, letting anyone fill it out from any device.

Export

Download, print, email, or move the form to your cloud storage.

Why pdfFiller is the best tool for your documents and forms

Learn more about security

End-to-end document management

From editing and signing to collaboration and tracking, pdfFiller has everything you need to get your documents done quickly and efficiently.

Accessible from anywhere

pdfFiller is fully cloud-based. This means you can edit, sign, and share documents from anywhere using your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Secure and compliant

pdfFiller lets you securely manage documents following global laws like ESIGN, CCPA, and GDPR. It's also HIPAA and SOC 2 compliant.

What is I-9 Employment Verification

The USCIS Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification is a government form used by U.S. employers to verify the identity and employment authorization of newly hired employees.

pdfFiller scores top ratings on review platforms

Show more Show less

Fill fillable I-9 Employment Verification form: Try Risk Free

Rate free I-9 Employment Verification form

4.8

satisfied

37 votes

Who needs I-9 Employment Verification?

Explore how professionals across industries use pdfFiller.

I-9 Employment Verification is needed by:

Newly hired employees in the U.S.
Employers hiring new staff
Human resources departments
Legal advisors for employment compliance
Immigration consultants and specialists

Comprehensive Guide to I-9 Employment Verification

Understanding the USCIS Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification

The USCIS Form I-9 serves a crucial role in the hiring process, as it verifies the identity and employment eligibility of new employees. This form is mandatory for all employers and ensures compliance with immigration regulations, benefiting both employees and employers by preventing unauthorized employment. Understanding its significance can aid in smoother recruiting procedures.

Form I-9 compliance is not just a governmental requirement; it protects the rights of employees by confirming their legal status to work in the U.S. Employers benefit as well, as proper fulfillment of this form safeguards them against potential penalties associated with hiring individuals without valid working authorization.

Purpose and Benefits of the USCIS Form I-9

The necessity of completing the USCIS Form I-9 cannot be overstated. For employers, this form is a fundamental part of ensuring legal hiring practices, which fosters workforce integrity. Compliance with employment eligibility verification not only reflects positively on an organization but also secures the integrity of the labor force.

Ensures legal compliance and minimizes the risk of hiring ineligible employees.
Protects employees by affirming their employment status and rights.
Mitigates legal risks for both parties, supporting a trustworthy work environment.

Who Needs the USCIS Form I-9?

Understanding who is required to submit the USCIS Form I-9 is essential for both employers and employees. All new hires, regardless of their citizenship status, must complete this form as part of the onboarding process. However, there are specific conditions that may exempt certain individuals from needing to file the form.

New hires must complete the form within the first three days of employment.
Exceptions may apply for certain employment types, such as some temporary workers.
Rehiring previous employees also necessitates a new Form I-9 submission.

How to Fill Out the USCIS Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification

Completing the USCIS Form I-9 requires careful attention to detail. The form is divided into several sections, including personal information, citizenship status, and document verification. Each section must be accurately filled to ensure compliance.

Provide personal information accurately, including your name and date of birth.
Attest to your citizenship status, selecting the appropriate option.
Present acceptable documentation for verification, ensuring they meet the requirements.
Double-check all entries to avoid common errors and ensure adherence to immigration laws.

Required Documents and Supporting Materials for Form I-9

Proper documentation is vital for completing USCIS Form I-9. Employees must present specific forms of identification and employment authorization documents when filling out the form. Failure to provide the necessary documentation can lead to complications in the hiring process.

Acceptable identification includes U.S. passports, driver's licenses, or state identification cards.
Employees should have documents ready that prove their eligibility to work.
Employers should facilitate the collection of these documents during the hiring phase.

Filing and Submission of the USCIS Form I-9

Once the USCIS Form I-9 is completed, it must be retained by the employer in a secure location. Each organization should be aware of the specific retention requirements that dictate how long they must keep the form on file.

The completed Form I-9 must be retained for at least three years after the hire date or one year after termination.
Employers should adhere to specific filing deadlines to avoid penalties.
Submission methods can include electronic or physical filing, based on company practices.

Security and Compliance for the USCIS Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification

When handling sensitive information such as the USCIS Form I-9, security is paramount. Employers must implement robust data protection measures to safeguard the information on these forms.

Security measures should include encryption and secure access controls.
Compliance with legal standards, such as HIPAA and GDPR, is essential for protecting employee data.
Ensuring secure document management prevents unauthorized access and data breaches.

Utilizing pdfFiller for the USCIS Form I-9

pdfFiller provides valuable tools for efficiently managing the USCIS Form I-9. Its features streamline the process of filling out and submitting the form, making it easier for both employees and employers.

Utilize eSignature and editing tools to enhance form accuracy and integrity.
Follow simple steps to securely handle the I-9 form online.
Benefits of using pdfFiller include its accessibility and security features, ensuring a smooth form processing experience.

Sample Completed USCIS Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification

For users seeking guidance in completing the USCIS Form I-9, a sample form can be extremely helpful. Observing a completed template allows for a clearer understanding of how to fill out the form accurately.

The sample form illustrates each field and provides explanations for completion.
Common mistakes are highlighted to educate users on what to avoid.
Real examples can be accessed through pdfFiller as a resource for users.

Next Steps After Completing Your USCIS Form I-9

After filling out the USCIS Form I-9, both employers and employees have specific actions to undertake. Employers must ensure the proper retention of the completed form and follow verification processes.

Employers should store the form securely, in compliance with retention policies.
Employees need to keep a copy of their completed form for their records.
Resources are available for further assistance if questions arise post-submission.

Last updated on May 3, 2026

How to fill out the I-9 Employment Verification

1.

Start by accessing the USCIS Form I-9 on pdfFiller. Visit the pdfFiller website and use the search function to find 'Form I-9'.
2.

Open the form in the pdfFiller interface. Familiarize yourself with the layout which includes sections for both employee and employer information.
3.

Before completing the form, gather necessary information. As an employee, you will need your personal details including name, address, date of birth, and immigration status.
4.

Fill in the blanks with accurate personal information. Use the text fields to enter your data and checkboxes to confirm your citizenship status or immigration eligibility.
5.

Employers should enter their business information in the designated fields. Provide the employer's name, address, and other relevant details in the appropriate sections.
6.

Ensure both parties review their sections thoroughly for completeness and accuracy. This includes ensuring the names are spelled correctly and all necessary fields are filled.
7.

Use the signature fields at the end of the form to sign and date. The employee and employer must both sign to validate the document.
8.

After completing the I-9, save your progress. Use the 'Save' feature in pdfFiller to ensure you don’t lose any information.
9.

You can download a copy of the completed form in PDF format or submit it directly via email if applicable.
10.

Finally, ensure the form is securely stored as required by law. Employers must retain the I-9 for a designated period, while employees should save their copy for personal records.

FAQs

If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us anytime!

Contact Support

What are the eligibility requirements for completing Form I-9?

To complete Form I-9, both employees and employers must verify identity and employment eligibility. Employees must provide valid documentation proving their identity and work authorization, such as a passport or a combination of documents like a driver's license and Social Security card.

Is there a deadline for submitting Form I-9?

Employers must complete Form I-9 within three business days of the employee's start date. Employees should ensure that the form is signed and submitted in a timely manner to avoid compliance issues.

How can I submit the I-9 form once it's completed?

Once completed, the I-9 form must be retained by the employer and cannot be submitted to USCIS. However, it should be available for inspection by authorized government officials. Employees should keep a copy for their records.

What supporting documents are required for Form I-9?

Form I-9 requires employees to present documentation that confirms their identity and employment authorization. Acceptable documents include U.S. passports, permanent resident cards, or employment authorization documents, among others. Always check the latest USCIS guidelines for details.

What common mistakes should I avoid when filling out Form I-9?

Common mistakes include failing to sign the form, leaving fields blank, and using outdated documents for verification. It's crucial to ensure all information is accurate and that both the employee and employer signatures are included.

How long is the I-9 form valid, and how long does it take to process?

Form I-9 does not expire, but it must be updated if the employee's work authorization changes. There’s no processing time since it is retained by employers for verification rather than submitted to a processing agency.

What should I do if I lose my I-9 form?

If you lose your I-9 form, both you and your employer should complete a new I-9 form to maintain compliance. Ensure all details are accurately filled out and signed to prevent issues with verification.