SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/founder-i9-section-1-first-day

By when must a new employee fill out Section 1 of Form I-9?

No later than their first day of work for pay.

Start playing free

  1. Within 30 days of starting
  2. No later than their first day of work for pay ✔
  3. Before they apply for the job

Why: The employee completes Section 1 (their information and attestation) by the first day they work for pay. You may not ask someone to fill it out before they have accepted a job offer.

Huh, didn't know that: Employers complete Form I-9 for each person hired for employment in the US, including US citizens.

The dad joke
Why did the pencil get the job? It had a good point.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: No later than their first day of work for pay. The employee completes Section 1 (their information and attestation) by the first day they work for pay. You may not ask someone to fill it out before they have accepted a job offer.

  1. USCIS Handbook for Employers M-274, 3.0 Completing Section 1 www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-resources/handbook-for-employers-m-274/30-completing-section-1-employee-information-and-attestation
    The employee must complete Section 1 no later than the employee’s first day of employment.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Starting and Running a BusinessHow long does an employer have to complete Section 2 of Form I-9 after a new employee starts work?Starting and Running a BusinessWhat does E-Verify do?Starting and Running a BusinessHow long must an employer keep a former employee's Form I-9?

That's stuff everyone should know.