Federal law requires all employers to complete an I-9 Form for each new employee hired. This form is so that the employer can verify that the employee is authorized to work in the United States.

The federal government has released a new version of the I-9 Form [dated 07/17/17N] that must be used for employees hired after September 17, 2017.

New employees need to complete Section 1 of the form at the time of hire. The employer then reviews the employee’s documentation and completes Section 2 of the form within 3 business days of the hire.

The electronic version of the new I-9 form can be sent via email to new hires and can be completed up to a certain point on a computer.

Please note that although the I-9 Form is available in Spanish, only employers in Puerto Rico may use the Spanish version of the form.  All other employers can use the Spanish version as a translation guide for Spanish-speaking employees, but they must complete and retain the English version.

Employers should retain each employee’s I-9 form at their place of business.  Employers are not required to send the I-9 to any governmental agency.  Keep the completed forms for 3 years after the employee’s date of hire or for one year after the employment ends, whichever is later. An employer’s I-9 Forms can be inspected by the United States government.

FUBA members can download the new Form from our website here, along with a Handbook for Employers on the I-9 Form here.