Glossary > Employment Law > Immigration And Work Authorization > H-1B And Other Work Visas

I-9 Verification

I-9 Verification is a process required by U.S. law where employers must verify the identity and work authorization of all employees hired in the country. This involves completing a form called the I-9 form to document that the employee is legally eligible to work in the United States.

Example #1

An employer hires a new employee and requests specific documents specified on the I-9 form, such as a passport or driver's license for identification, and a Social Security card or work permit for work authorization.

Example #2

During an audit by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, an employer is found to have incomplete or inaccurate I-9 forms for several employees, leading to potential fines and legal consequences.

Misuse

Misuse of I-9 Verification can occur when employers knowingly accept false documents or fail to properly complete and retain I-9 forms. This can lead to unauthorized individuals working in the country, potentially displacing eligible workers and undermining the integrity of the labor market.

Benefits

The benefits of I-9 Verification include ensuring that only authorized individuals work in the U.S., protecting the job opportunities of legal workers, and helping to maintain a fair and transparent labor market.

Conclusion

By understanding and following the requirements of I-9 Verification, both employers and employees contribute to a system that promotes fairness, accountability, and compliance with immigration and work authorization laws.

Last Modified: 4/30/2024