Completing Form I-9 Checklist

Posted October 11, 2023

Federal law requires employers to hire only individuals who may legally work in the United States—either U.S. citizens or authorized foreign nationals. To comply with the law, employers must verify the identity and employment authorization of each individual they hire by completing and retaining the Employment Eligibility Verification form (Form I-9). Employers must have a completed Form I-9 for every employee hired after Nov. 6, 1986.

Complying with Form I-9 requirements accurately and in a timely manner is difficult. The risk employers face for any errors is real and can be extremely expensive. Employers who fail to comply with Form I-9 requirements can face severe consequences, including civil and criminal penalties.

This checklist outlines the steps for completing Form I-9 for a newly hired employee. This checklist is intended to be used as a guide, and the steps in this list should be modified to meet the unique needs of your organization and its onboarding process. This checklist should be completed by someone trained in Form I-9 requirements to reduce the risk of errors.

This checklist provides an overview of completing Form I-9 for a newly hired employee and should not be construed as legal advice. It has been updated to reflect the most current Form I-9 (edition date Aug. 1, 2023). Due to the complex nature of Form I-9 compliance, employers are encouraged to seek legal counsel to discuss and address specific issues and concerns.

Download the Form I-9 Checklist.