Everything You Need to Know About I-9 Employment Form

What is Form I-9?

The federal I-9 form (2026) is a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services document that verifies an employee's identity and their authorization to work in the U.S. Both the employer and the employee must complete this I-9 work form. It's a mandatory requirement for every new hire, regardless of citizenship status. Employers must retain the completed forms for federal inspection.

What is Form I-9 used for?

The I-9 employment form is an essential document for Employment Eligibility Verification in the United States. Its primary purpose is to:

●      To verify the identity of employees.

●      To ensure employees are authorized to work in the U.S.

How to fill out Form I-9 online?
Use Zendocs' secure editor to easily fill out I-9 form online. The process involves two mandatory steps by two different parties:

• Employee Section (Section 1): The new hire must complete their personal information, attest to their citizenship status, and sign this section no later than the first day of employment.
• Employer Section (Section 2): The employer (or authorized representative) must physically examine the employee's original I-9 documents and record the required details within three business days of the hire date.
• Retention: Once completed and signed, the employer must retain the document for inspection. You can instantly download and secure the final I-9 form PDF.

Who is required to fill out Form I-9?

Employers are responsible for filling out Form I-9 to verify the identity and employment authorization of their employees.

When is Form I-9 not required?

Certain individuals are exempt from the need to complete Form I-9. This includes independent contractors, casual domestic workers in private homes, and employees hired before November 6, 1986, with uninterrupted employment.

When is Form I-9 due?

The deadline for the Form I-9 is by the first day of employment. Employers must ensure it is completed and retained per USCIS regulations.

How to get a blank Form I-9?

Visit Zendocs to access a preloaded, fillable template of the official Form I-9. Our platform supports the preparation and secure download of the form.

How to sign Form I-9 online?

Load the form in Zendocs’ PDF editor, complete the required fields, then create your e-signature and click 'Done' to download your signed document.

Where to file Form I-9?

The I-9 form cannot be submitted online or mailed. It must be retained by the employer and made available for inspection upon request.