What document is essential for verifying an employee's eligibility to work in the U.S.?

The I-9 form is essential for verifying an employee's eligibility to work in the U.S. This form, officially named the "Employment Eligibility Verification" form, was developed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Employers are required to have new employees complete the I-9 form at the time of hiring, providing documentation that proves their identity and work authorization. The goal of the I-9 process is to ensure that all individuals employed in the country are legally authorized to work, thereby maintaining compliance with federal law.

The W-2 form, which reports an employee's annual wages and the taxes withheld, serves a different purpose, related to tax reporting rather than employment eligibility. An employee contract may outline the terms of employment but does not address the legal aspect of work authorization. A guard card, typically required for security personnel, shows compliance with state licensing requirements but does not verify an employee's eligibility to work in the broader context of immigration law. Thus, the I-9 form is critical for this specific function.