Virginia onboarding checklist for employers
An onboarding checklist makes sure every new hire gets the same paperwork, notices and training. Here is what changes when the employee works in Virginia.
Virginia rules that affect this form
| Minimum wage | $12.77 per hour Verify |
|---|---|
| Paid sick leave | Currently required only for certain home health workers. A new law (HB 5/SB 199, 2026) will require 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours a year, phased in starting July 1, 2027 for employers with 50+ employees and later for smaller employers. Verify |
| Meal breaks | No state requirement for adult employees. |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement. |
| Other rules to know | Since July 1, 2026, employers must include a good-faith pay range in job postings and may not ask about or rely on salary history. Non-competes are banned for low-wage and non-exempt employees; for agreements signed on or after July 1, 2026, they cannot be enforced against employees fired without cause unless severance or other payment is provided. A state paid family and medical leave program begins with contributions in April 2028. Verify |
What to include
- Form I-9 completed by the end of the employee's third day of work
- Federal W-4 and the state withholding form, if the state has one
- Report the new hire to the state new-hire registry
- Required state and federal workplace posters and written notices
- Paid sick leave, break and overtime rules explained in plain terms
- Handbook acknowledgment signed and filed
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Frequently asked questions
Is there an official Virginia onboarding checklist form?
Virginia does not publish one required onboarding checklist for private employers. Use a clear template and make sure it reflects the Virginia rules on this page.
What is the minimum wage in Virginia in 2026?
$12.77 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. Under legislation signed in April 2026, the minimum rises to $13.75 on January 1, 2027 and $15.00 on January 1, 2028, then adjusts annually. Farm workers become covered by the state minimum from January 1, 2027.
Is paid sick leave required in Virginia?
Currently required only for certain home health workers. A new law (HB 5/SB 199, 2026) will require 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours a year, phased in starting July 1, 2027 for employers with 50+ employees and later for smaller employers.
Other Virginia forms
Onboarding Checklist by state
This page is general information for employers, not legal advice. Employment laws change and can vary by city and county. Confirm details with the state labor department or an employment attorney. Read our disclaimer.