Where should an employee's I-9 form be stored?

The I-9 form must be stored separately from the employee's personnel file to ensure compliance with federal regulations. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that these documents be kept in a way that they can be easily accessed for inspection by the Department of Homeland Security or any authorized agency without compromising the privacy of the employee's other personal information. Keeping the I-9 in a separate location helps to protect sensitive information while still allowing for required access.

Storing the I-9 form in the employee's personnel file could be problematic, as it combines immigration status information with other personnel information, potentially leading to unauthorized access or privacy concerns. Additionally, maintaining I-9 forms separately enhances the organization’s ability to comply with audits and ensures that they meet the legal obligations regarding employee verification processes. This separation is a best practice recognized across various employment sectors.