{"id":6666,"date":"2025-08-10T10:03:50","date_gmt":"2025-08-10T04:33:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/?p=6666"},"modified":"2025-08-13T10:05:43","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T04:35:43","slug":"how-long-should-employers-keep-i-9-forms-and-how-often-must-they-be-updated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/2025\/08\/10\/how-long-should-employers-keep-i-9-forms-and-how-often-must-they-be-updated\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Should Employers Keep I-9 Forms and How Often Must They Be Updated?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to immigration compliance, one of the most critical documents U.S. employers must manage is the Form I-9. Used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States, Form I-9 plays a central role in helping employers maintain legal compliance with federal hiring laws. However, many employers are unclear about how long to retain these forms and whether they require periodic updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Webinars<\/div>
\"Speaker\"
Payroll Record Keeping: Who Requires What, for How Long and in What Format<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/path><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><\/svg><\/div>
May 12th 2026 @ 01:00 PM ET<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
Speaker: <\/strong>Vicki M. Lambert, CPP<\/div>
Learn More<\/div><\/div>
\"Speaker\"
SFR Returns-What to do when the IRS files a Tax Return for Your Client AKA a Substitute Filed Return<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/path><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><\/svg><\/div>
May 13th 2026 @ 01:00 PM ET<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
Speaker: <\/strong>Charles K. Montecino, CPA, CGMA, CTRS<\/div>
Learn More<\/div><\/div>
\"Speaker\"
Mastering Supplemental Pay: Advanced Withholding Rules & Compliance<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/path><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><\/svg><\/div>
May 21st 2026 @ 01:00 PM ET<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
Speaker: <\/strong>Patrick A. Haggerty, EA<\/div>
Learn More<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What Is Form I-9 and Why Is It Important?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, is a requirement for all U.S. employers to complete for every new hire\u2014citizens and non-citizens alike. This form ensures that the employee is legally authorized to work in the U.S. and helps prevent unauthorized employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employers must ensure that employees complete Section 1 of the form by the first day of work and that employers complete Section 2 by the third business day of employment. In some cases, Section 3 is used for reverification or rehires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Long Should Employers Retain Form I-9?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The retention period is not indefinite. Employers must retain each employee’s I-9 form for a specific period, and the rules are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Retention Rule:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Employers must keep an I-9 form for either:<\/p>\n\n\n\n