Q: Do citizens and nationals of the U. S. need to prove to their employers that they are eligible to work?
A: Yes. While citizens and nationals of the U.S. are automatically eligible for employment, they too must present proof of employment eligibility and identity and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification form (Form I-9). Citizens of the U.S. include persons born in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Nationals of the U.S. include persons born in American Samoa, including Swains Island.

Q: Does an employer need to complete a Form I-9 for everyone who applies for a job with the company?
A: No. The employer needs to complete Form I-9 only for people who are actually hired. For purposes of the I-9 rules, a person is "hired" when he or she begins to work for wages or other compensation.

Q: I understand that an employer must complete a Form I-9 for anyone hired to perform labor or services in return for wages or other remuneration. What is "remuneration"?
A: Remuneration is anything of value given in exchange for labor or services rendered by an employee, including food and lodging.