What Form I-9 is
Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, is used to confirm that a person hired to work in the United States is who they say they are and is authorized to work. Every employee hired in the US completes one, and their employer completes their part.
Unlike many forms, the I-9 is not mailed to a government agency — the employer keeps it on file and produces it if it is ever requested. A true independent contractor does not complete an I-9; they fill out a W-9 form instead.
Who fills which section
- Section 1 — the employee. You enter your name, address, date of birth, and attest to your work-authorization status. This is done no later than your first day of work.
- Section 2 — the employer. The employer reviews the employee's documents and records them, typically within three business days of the start date.
- Supplements. Extra sections cover things like reverification or a preparer/translator who helped complete the form.
Acceptable documents
The employee shows either one document from List A, or one from List B plus one from List C:
- List A proves both identity and work authorization — for example a US passport, a permanent resident card, or an Employment Authorization Document (the card issued after you file Form I-765).
- List B proves identity — for example a driver's license or state ID.
- List C proves work authorization — for example a Social Security card or birth certificate.
The full list of acceptable documents is printed with the form. The employee chooses which documents to present — the employer cannot demand specific ones.
How to fill the I-9 with AnyPDFfiller
Download the current Form I-9 from the USCIS website and upload the PDF here. The employee types Section 1 and signs it; the employer completes Section 2 from the documents presented. When both parts are done, download the finished PDF for the employer's records. Use the current edition — USCIS updates the form periodically.
I-9 questions people ask
Do I send the I-9 to USCIS?
No. The employer retains the completed I-9 and only produces it if an authorized official asks to inspect it.
Where do I get a blank I-9 PDF?
Download the current edition from uscis.gov, then upload it here to fill it. Using an outdated version can cause compliance problems.
Which documents does the employee provide?
One List A document, or one List B (identity) plus one List C (work authorization). The employee picks which to show from the acceptable list.
When does each part need to be done?
Section 1 by the employee's first day of work; Section 2 by the employer, typically within three business days of the start date.
Is filling it online free?
Yes — fill and download for free; a clean, watermark-free copy is the premium download.
AnyPDFfiller is an independent PDF tool, not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency, and does not provide legal advice. For rules on completing, retaining, or reverifying Form I-9, see the official USCIS instructions or the Handbook for Employers (M-274).
