This week, Study in the States invites its U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) partner, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to the blog to explain Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. In this three part series, you will learn about Form I-9, how to properly complete it and we answer who needs to complete Form I-9 - one of USCIS’ most frequently asked questions.

Are you an F or M student wondering if you or your dependent can legally work while in the United States? If so, you should speak with your designated school official (DSO) to learn if you are eligible for work authorization.

By law, all U.S. employers are required to verify the identity and employment eligibility of each employee. After you are offered and accept a position, your employer should hand you a copy of Form I-9, "Employment Eligibility Verification."

The I-9 Central website has useful guidance on employment eligibility for foreign students. The Form I-9 Information sheet is available in English, as well as in 20 non-English language versions. There is also an optional box on Form I-9 for you to enter your email address.  Entering your e-mail address enables USCIS to contact you with alerts or other notices about your E-Verify case. 

Some employers supplement Form I-9 by using E-Verify, a service of DHS and the Social Security Administration. If your employer participates in E-Verify, they will need your Social Security number (SSN) in order to use E-Verify. E-Verify allows you to start your job while you wait for your SSN, if you have already applied for one but have not yet received it.

You are required to complete Section 1 of Form I-9 no later than your first day of work for pay and in tomorrow’s post we will return to explain how to do this. Make sure to check in then.

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