Federal Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification

Form I-9 is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. It is important to know that failure to complete the I-9 may impact the timing of the new employee's first paycheck.

Tracker was implemented at all UC campuses as the new online tool to manage and increase compliance of the Federal I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Forms. The tool is used most significantly by the regional HR teams for onboarding new campus employees, though there are some instances where campus departments/units process I-9s. UC Berkeley no longer uses/processes paper I-9s.

Who is not required to complete the I-9:

  • Anyone who is not being paid via UC/UCPath Payroll to conduct campus business
  • Anyone receiving a stipend paid via Accounts Payable (AP) would not be required to complete the I-9 though they would need to complete a W-9.
  • Any employee hired before Nov.6, 1986 who has not had a break in service within the University of California network
  • Titles of those not required to complete I-9s include: Visiting Scholars, Visiting Student Researchers, and Contingent Workers (CWRs)

Important note: Employees who were previously working outside the U.S. are required to contact their BRS Regional Onboarding Team for instructions on how they can complete their Form I-9. It must be completed within three (3) business days from the date they return to work in the U.S. 

Additional resources on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website: