Work Authorization Form Template

A work authorization form collects the information and documentation needed to verify that an individual is legally eligible to work in a specific country. In the U.S., this process is governed by the I-9 form, which requires employees to attest to their status and present acceptable identification documents. The form creates a compliance record for the employer.

Paper-based I-9 completion has a staggeringly high error rate — some estimates put it above 60%. A digital form with required fields, conditional logic, and clear instructions dramatically reduces mistakes. It also speeds up onboarding, creates searchable records, and makes audit preparation far less painful.

• Full legal name and date of birth
• Citizenship or immigration status
• Alien registration number or visa details (if applicable)
• List A, B, or C document type and identification numbers
• Document expiration dates
• Employee attestation with electronic signature and date

Conditional logic makes this straightforward. When a new hire selects their status. Citizen, permanent resident, visa holder, asylum/refugee. The form branches to show only the relevant document requirements and fields for that category. This prevents confusion and ensures you collect exactly the right information for each situation.

Non-compliance with employment eligibility verification laws can result in substantial fines. Up to thousands of dollars per violation in the U.S.. Along with potential criminal penalties for knowingly hiring unauthorized workers. Beyond legal risk, it can also lead to loss of government contracts and reputational damage. A proper digital process protects you from avoidable mistakes.