New hires must complete an 1-9 form before they will be allowed to work. This is a federal form to determine whether employees are legally eligible to work in the United States and is intended to prevent those who are not legally in the US from getting a job. We won’t argue about the fairness or ethics of the laws surrounding non-legal immigrants finding work… This is about you going through the process of starting work for a new company, right? We’ll leave the morals and ethics to others to debate.
Every employee hired after 1986 is required to fill out this document at the time of hire. For those who need assistance, a translator or preparer will be provided.
The first time you fill out one of these forms, it will feel a bit strange and you will probably get a teensy bit nervous you will write something in the wrong spot. All the threats on the document and the knowledge that people go to jail for trying to pull a fast one on the government can be… well, nerve-wracking.
Don’t worry. If you write something in the wrong spot or mess something up on accident, your employer will just provide you with a new copy and let you start over.
Fill out the first page
How to fill out the form, step-by-step
- Provide full name. Few students have an “other last name.” Write n/a unless this applies to you.
- Provide legal address
- Provide date of birth and Social Security number.
- Attest that you are a U.S. citizen, a noncitizen national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work.
- Did you need the help of a translator? Check the correct box.
- Sign the document. When you sign this, you are affirming that all the information you are providing is true. If you intentionally provide inaccurate information, you could be fined or imprisoned.
Step 2: Submit documents
Present original (not copied or scanned) documents that establish your identity and your eligibility for employment to your employer. Some documents can do both of these things, such as a U.S. passport or a Permanent Resident Card. Other documents do one or the other. Your school photo ID card or driver’s license are two items that can establish your identity. You need a Social Security card to establish your employment eligibility.
If you are unsure of exactly what documents you will need to gather and bring to the worksite, visit the government’s official explanation page for more details.
After your employer examines the documents you provide, he or she will complete and submit the rest of the form.
If you have questions about this process, talk with your Hiring Manager or Human Resources representative. You can also speak with your guidance counselor or check the U.S.government’s website.