I-9 FAQ

What is the I-9 form and why do all employees (including student staff members) need to complete one?

The I-9 form is the Employment Eligibility Verification Form required by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to verify identity and eligibility to work. All employees must complete this form and provide valid original identifications. The student staff member must complete the I-9 form before they begin working. More information about the I-9 form is available on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website at http://www.uscis.gov/i-9.

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Which documents are most frequently used to complete the I-9?

The back side of the I-9 form has lists (A, B, and C) of the various acceptable documents. You may present any one document from List A for examination, but the most commonly used is a U.S. Passport. If you do not have a passport (or any other document from list A) you will need to present two documents, one each from Lists B and C. The most commonly used documents in this scenario are, from List A, a Driver's License plus from List C, a Social Security Card or a Birth Certificate.

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Are photocopies of a document acceptable?

Photocopies are not acceptable. Original documents must be presented. A certified copy of a birth certificate is acceptable.

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What is the difference between List A, B, and C documents?

List A documents establish both identity and eligibility for employment. List B documents establish only identity, and List C documents establish only employment eligibility--so one each from List B and List C is required if a List A document is not presented.

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I completed an I-9 with my employer this summer, do I have to complete another one for the college?

Yes. Each employer must collect an I-9 from each new employee. If you haven't worked on campus previously, you will need to complete an I-9 when you become a staff member at the University of Puget Sound.

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What if the student staff member does not complete the I-9 form prior to the start of employment?

Student staff members must complete the I-9 form before they begin working.

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Are expired documents acceptable?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services wants to ensure that documents presented for use in the I-9 form process are valid and reliably establish both identity and employment authorization status. Expired documents may not demonstrate a valid status and are prone to tampering and fraudulent use. As a result, expired documents are not acceptable. Note that if a document does not contain an expiration date, such as a Social Security card, it is considered to be unexpired.

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What happens if an error is made on the I-9 form?

Cross out the error on the I-9 form and then initial and date next to it. Alternatively, you may shred the form and start over.

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What kind of ink can be used to fill out the I-9 form?

The I-9 form may only be filled out in BLUE or BLACK ink. Pencils and other colors of ink are not accepted.

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Is a Social Security card that has been laminated acceptable?

Laminating Social Security cards makes them invalid. Metal or plastic reproductions are also not acceptable.

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What do I do if I have questions or need help when completing the I-9 form?

Although the supervisor is your immediate resource for assistance with the I-9 form, CES welcomes all questions. You may contact us via email to ces@pugetsound.edu, phone at 253.879.3161, or by visiting our office in Howarth Hall, room 101.

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