Completing the I-9 form is a crucial step in the hiring process for employers. However, it’s not uncommon for mistakes to occur during this process, leading to potential legal issues and penalties. In this blog, we’ll discuss some common mistakes to avoid when completing the I-9 form to ensure compliance with immigration laws and regulations.
- Lack of Employee Completing Section 1:
- Explanation: One common mistake is when employers fail to ensure that employees complete Section 1 of the I-9 form accurately and timely.
- Consequences: This oversight can result in incomplete documentation, delaying the onboarding process and potentially leading to compliance issues.
- Failure to Verify Identity and Employment Authorization Documents:
- Explanation: Employers must verify the authenticity of documents provided by employees to establish their identity and employment authorization.
- Consequences: Failing to properly verify documents can lead to hiring unauthorized workers, violating immigration laws, and facing penalties.
- Incorrectly Dating Sections:
- Explanation: Incorrectly dating sections of the I-9 form, such as the date of hire or the date employment begins, is a common mistake.
- Consequences: Inaccurate dating can lead to discrepancies in employment records and may raise red flags during audits or inspections.
- Improper Retention of Forms:
- Explanation: Employers must retain completed I-9 forms for each employee for a specified period, either three years after the date of hire or one year after termination, whichever is later.
- Consequences: Failure to retain forms for the required period can result in non-compliance with recordkeeping regulations and potential penalties.
- Ignoring Updates to Form Requirements:
- Explanation: USCIS periodically updates the I-9 form and its instructions to reflect changes in immigration laws and regulations.
- Consequences: Ignoring updates and using outdated forms can lead to non-compliance and may result in penalties during audits or inspections.
Conclusion: Avoiding these common mistakes when completing the I-9 form is essential for employers to ensure compliance with immigration laws and regulations. By following proper procedures and staying informed about updates to form requirements, employers can mitigate risks and streamline their hiring process. For assistance with notarizing I-9 forms and ensuring compliance, contact The Opal Group’s Mobile & Online Notary services today.
