How do we correct errors found during an I-9 audit?

Draw a line through the incorrect information, enter the correct details, then initial and date the change. Never erase, use correction fluid, or backdate. Attach a brief memo explaining significant corrections.

How long must we keep I-9 forms?

Retain each I-9 for the later of three years after the hire date or one year after employment ends. Store them separately from personnel files for easy retrieval. Purge forms only once they pass the retention threshold.

Should we audit all I-9s or just a sample?

Either can work, but the approach should be consistent and non-discriminatory. A full review is thorough, while a defensible sample can be practical for large workforces. Document whichever method you choose.

Free I-9 Audit Checklist Checklist

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I-9 Audit Checklist

Company Name:

Audit Lead:

Audit Date:

Employees in Scope:

Next Audit Date:

Audit Preparation

Assemble complete list of current employeesGather all I-9 forms from storageObtain current I-9 form and instructionsTrain audit team on I-9 requirementsCreate audit tracking spreadsheet

Section 1 Review

Verify all Section 1 fields are completedConfirm Section 1 was completed by hire dateCheck for proper attestation selectionVerify preparer or translator section if usedNote any corrections needed in Section 1

Section 2 and Reverification Review

Verify Section 2 was completed within 3 daysCheck document information is correctly recordedConfirm acceptable documents were properly listedVerify employer representative signature and dateConfirm no over-documentation occurredCheck if reverification was requiredVerify reverification was done before expirationReview rehire documentation if applicableConfirm correct form version was used

Corrections and Follow-Up

Correct minor errors with proper notationComplete new I-9 forms for uncorrectable errorsDocument all corrections in audit logFollow up on missing or incomplete formsNever backdate corrections or new forms

Findings, Retention, and Next Steps

Compile audit findings reportVerify proper storage and retention practicesCalculate retention dates for terminated employeesImplement process improvements based on findingsSchedule next I-9 audit date

The complete guide

Everything you need to know

01What Is the I-9 Audit Checklist?

The I-9 Audit Checklist guides an internal review of your Form I-9 employment eligibility records. It covers whether a form exists for every required employee, whether sections are completed correctly and on time, whether acceptable documents were recorded properly, and how corrections and retention are handled. A self-audit surfaces errors before a government inspection does, when they are far cheaper to fix.

02Why Use an I-9 Audit Checklist

Form I-9 errors are extremely common and can trigger significant fines even without any unauthorized workers. Immigration authorities can request forms with limited notice, so waiting until then to check is risky. A checklist-driven self-audit finds missing forms, late completions, and improper corrections while you still have time to remediate them following proper procedures.

03How to Use This I-9 Audit Checklist

Review a consistent, defensible sample or your full population on a regular schedule. Confirm each form is present, complete, and signed within required timeframes, and that document recording followed the rules. When you find errors, correct them properly: line through mistakes, initial and date, and never backdate. Document your audit process and results, and store I-9s separately from general personnel files.

I-9 Audit Checklist

I-9 Audit Checklist

Audit Preparation

Section 1 Review

Section 2 and Reverification Review

Corrections and Follow-Up

Findings, Retention, and Next Steps

Everything you need to know

01What Is the I-9 Audit Checklist?

02Why Use an I-9 Audit Checklist

03How to Use This I-9 Audit Checklist

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