Download USCIS I-9 Form

The USCIS I-9 form is an important document for employers and employees in the United States. However, several misconceptions exist about its purpose and requirements. Below is a list of common misunderstandings regarding the I-9 form.

1. Only new hires need to complete the I-9 form. Many believe that only new employees must fill out the I-9. In reality, all employees must complete the form, regardless of their length of employment.
2. The I-9 form is only for U.S. citizens. This is not true. The I-9 form is required for all employees, including non-citizens, as long as they are authorized to work in the U.S.
3. Employers do not need to keep I-9 forms on file. Employers are required to retain completed I-9 forms for a specific period. They must keep them for three years after the date of hire or for one year after the employee's termination, whichever is longer.
4. Employees can choose any document to prove their identity. This is a misconception. The I-9 form specifies a list of acceptable documents. Employees must provide either one document from List A or one from List B and one from List C.
5. Employers can discriminate based on citizenship status. Employers must treat all employees equally during the I-9 process. Discrimination based on citizenship or immigration status is prohibited.
6. Filling out the I-9 form is optional. This is incorrect. Completing the I-9 form is mandatory for all employers and employees to ensure compliance with federal law.
7. Once the I-9 form is completed, it never needs to be updated. This is misleading. If an employee's work authorization status changes, the employer must update the I-9 form accordingly.
8. Only the employee is responsible for completing the I-9 form. While the employee must provide their information, the employer also has responsibilities, including reviewing documents and ensuring the form is completed correctly.
9. The I-9 form is only checked during audits. Some think that the I-9 is only relevant during audits. However, employers should regularly review their I-9 forms to ensure compliance and accuracy.

Understanding these misconceptions can help both employers and employees navigate the I-9 process more effectively.

The USCIS I-9 form is an essential document for verifying the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for work in the United States. Alongside the I-9 form, several other forms and documents may be used to facilitate the employment verification process. Below is a list of commonly associated forms and documents, each serving a specific purpose in the employment landscape.

• W-4 Form: This form is used by employees to indicate their tax situation to their employer. It helps determine the amount of federal income tax withholding from an employee's paycheck.
• W-2 Form: Employers provide this form to employees at the end of the year. It reports an employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck.
• Social Security Card: This card serves as proof of an individual's Social Security number. It is often requested during the hiring process to ensure accurate reporting of wages to the Social Security Administration.
• Passport: A valid U.S. passport can be used as a form of identification and proof of citizenship. It is often accepted for I-9 verification.
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card): This card indicates that an individual has been granted permanent residency in the U.S. It can be presented as evidence of employment authorization.
• Trailer Bill of Sale: The Georgia Trailer Bill of Sale form serves as a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of a trailer from the seller to the buyer. It ensures both parties have evidence of the sale and details such as the purchase price, trailer description, and the date of the sale. For anyone buying or selling a trailer in Georgia, completing this form is a critical step in the process. Georgia PDF Forms
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Issued by USCIS, this document allows individuals to work in the U.S. It is particularly relevant for non-citizens with temporary work permits.
• State-issued ID: A driver's license or state identification card can serve as proof of identity for the I-9 form. It is a commonly accepted form of identification.
• Birth Certificate: A birth certificate may be used to verify an individual's identity and citizenship, especially when presented alongside a government-issued photo ID.

These documents play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations. Proper documentation helps both employers and employees navigate the complexities of employment verification effectively.

When filling out the USCIS I-9 form, it is essential to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Below are some important do's and don'ts to consider.

• Do provide accurate and truthful information.
• Do ensure that all sections of the form are completed fully.
• Do submit the form within the required timeframe after employment begins.
• Do keep copies of the documents you provide for your records.

• Don't leave any fields blank unless instructed to do so.
• Don't provide false information or documents.
• Don't forget to sign and date the form where required.
• Don't ignore the instructions specific to your employment situation.