What is an I-9 and when do I have to finish it for a new caregiver?
The I-9 proves a new employee can legally work in the U.S. The worker fills in their part by their first day. You must finish your part within three business days of the start date. The worker picks which acceptable documents to show. You cannot tell them which ones to bring.
Form I-9 is a federal form that every employer must complete for every new employee. The worker fills in Section 1. You examine documents and complete Section 2.
From the USCIS Handbook for Employers:
- Complete Section 2 within three business days of the date employment begins. If the job lasts fewer than three business days, finish it on the first day.
- The employee chooses which documents to show from the lists on the form. You must accept documents that reasonably appear genuine and relate to the person.
- You cannot specify which documents they present.
- Documents are normally checked in person. Remote checking is an option only for employers who take part in E-Verify and meet its rules.
Tips for a busy office:
- Tell applicants at the offer stage what kinds of documents are acceptable, without naming a required one.
- Set a calendar reminder on the first day so the three-day deadline is not missed.
- Keep I-9 forms apart from personnel files.
How long to keep each form depends on dates of hire and end of work. Check the USCIS handbook for the current rule.
Sources
- Handbook for Employers M-274, 4.0 Completing Section 2 · U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Reviewed by Beth Bledsoe, Care Business Advisor®, 28 Oct 2026. Rules change. Confirm with your state Medicaid agency before you act.
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