Form I-9 verifies your identity and permission to work in the US. Every employer must complete it for every new hire, citizens included.
Timeline
- Section 1 (you): by your first day of work
- Section 2 (employer): within three business days of your start, after reviewing your documents
Acceptable documents
| List | What it proves | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| List A | Identity and work authorization | US passport, green card, EAD card, foreign passport with I-94 showing work status |
| List B | Identity only | Driver’s license, state ID |
| List C | Work authorization only | Social Security card without restrictions, birth certificate |
You can show one List A document, or one from List B and one from List C. The employer can’t tell you which specific documents to bring.
E-Verify
Some employers also confirm I-9 information through E-Verify, a federal online system. STEM OPT employers must use it.
