What is I-9 Verification?
Form I-9 is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. All U.S. employers must complete Form I-9 for every person they hire.
The I-9 Process
Section 1: Employee Information
- Completed by the employee on or before their first day of work
- Includes personal information and attestation of work authorization
Section 2: Employer Review
- Must be completed within 3 business days of the employee's start date
- Requires physical examination of original documents
- Can be completed by an authorized representative
Role of Authorized Representatives
When employers cannot physically verify documents, they can designate an authorized representative. This is common for:
- Remote employees
- Employees in different locations
- Companies without local HR presence
Who Can Be an Authorized Representative?
Any person authorized by the employer can complete Section 2, including:
- Notaries public
- Other employees
- Agents designated by the employer
How Our I-9 Verification Service Works
- Employer contacts us: Provides employee information and instructions
- We schedule with the employee: Convenient time and location
- Document verification: We examine original documents in person
- Form completion: We complete Section 2 as authorized representative
- Return to employer: Completed form sent to employer securely
Acceptable Documents
List A (Establishes Identity AND Employment Authorization):
- U.S. Passport
- Permanent Resident Card
- Employment Authorization Document
List B (Establishes Identity):
- Driver's license
- State ID card
- School ID with photograph
List C (Establishes Employment Authorization):
- Social Security card
- Birth certificate
- Employment authorization from DHS
Important Compliance Notes
- Never specify which documents to present
- Accept any valid, unexpired documents from the lists
- Don't discriminate based on citizenship or national origin
- Retain forms as required by law