Schedule I-9 appointment online
Form I-9 is required to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. Each new employee presents identity and employment authorization documentation to a University designated employer representative to complete the form no later than the first day of employment. MSU requires an I-9 and E-Verify processing for employees and utilizes Truescreen to manage the I-9 process and comply with E-Verify requirements for faculty and staff.
Faculty and Staff -- Information to complete the I-9 will be included in an email to the employee once an offer is accepted. Subsequently, new employees will receive an email from Truescreen to complete a criminal background check and/or Form I-9 electronically. Please contact the hiring coordinator in your department if you did not receive an email.
Student Workers and Graduate Assistants will complete a paper Form I-9 in their department.
I-9 Frequently Asked Questions
When must the I-9 be completed?
The form must be completed no later than the date of hire.
How should I list my name on the form?
You must use your legal name when completing the I-9 Form.
Is a Social Security Number Required?
Since MSU is an E-Verify employer, you must enter your social security number in Section 1 of the form. If you do not currently have one, do not complete Section 1 until you receive your social security card. You have 30 days to provide MSU with your assigned social security number.
How do I apply for a social security number?
Click here for information on applying for a Social Security Number.
Who can complete Section 1?
The employee is responsible for completing Section 1. You may use a translator if you do not understand enough English to complete it. However, the translator must complete the Preparer and/or Translator Certification block. The employee must still sign the certification block in Section 1.
Who can complete Section 2?
Human Resources Information Services staff complete Section 2 of the I-9 for all new faculty and staff during an appointment with HRM, virtually or in person. Departmental hiring coordinators complete I-9s for all student employees.
Can I present a photocopy of my documents?
No. You must present original documents. The only exception is that you may present a certified copy of a birth certificate.
What is E-Verify?
E-Verify is a free web-based service that electronically verifies the employment eligibility of newly hired employees and existing employees assigned to work on a qualifying federal contract. E-Verify compares information from an employee’s I-9 to U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.
As a federal contractor, MSU is required to use the E-Verify system to verify employment eligibility of employees working in the United States on assignments paid by a federal contract that includes the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) E-Verify Clause.
Why do we use E-Verify?
E-Verify is used to reduce unauthorized employment and to minimize verification related discrimination.
Are existing employees verified through E-Verify?
No. E-Verify allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of only their newly hired employees. However, federal contractors that have been awarded a federal contract on or after Sept. 8, 2009, that contains the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) E-Verify clause must use E-Verify for existing employees assigned to work on those contracts.