Open Enrollment (Deadline is Oct. 31, 2025)

Employees may make changes to their benefits that will take effect January 1, 2026. If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact us at 662-325-3713 or benefits@hrm.msstate.edu

Complete Form I-9

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.