Form I-9, officially known as the Employment Eligibility Verification form, is a document mandated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It’s used by employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of their employees hired in the United States. Form I-9 is a crucial part of the hiring process and ensures that employers are compliant with immigration laws.
Why Is Form I-9 Important?
Form I-9 serves several important purposes:
- Employment Eligibility Verification: It helps employers verify that their employees are legally authorized to work in the United States. This helps prevent the hiring of unauthorized workers and ensures compliance with immigration laws.
- Prevents Discrimination: Form I-9 requires all employees to provide the same documentation to prove their identity and eligibility to work. This helps prevent discrimination in the hiring process based on immigration status or citizenship.
- Legal Requirement: Employers are legally required to complete and retain Form I-9 for each employee hired in the United States, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status. Failure to comply with Form I-9 requirements can result in severe penalties for employers.
How Does Form I-9 Work?
When an employee is hired, both the employee and the employer must complete specific sections of Form I-9:
- Employee Section: The employee must fill out Section 1 of Form I-9, providing personal information such as their name, address, date of birth, and citizenship status. They must also attest to their employment authorization status and provide documentation to prove their identity and eligibility to work.
- Employer Section: The employer is responsible for completing Section 2 of Form I-9, which involves physically examining the employee’s documentation to verify their identity and employment eligibility. The employer must record the document information on Form I-9 and certify that the documents appear genuine.
- Retention and Maintenance: Once completed, employers must retain Form I-9 for each employee for a specified period, typically either three years after the date of hire or one year after the date of termination, whichever is later. Form I-9 must be kept on file and made available for inspection by authorized government officials if requested.
Contact The Opal Group for Mobile Notary Services in New York
Navigating the requirements of Form I-9 and ensuring compliance with immigration laws can be complex for employers. The Opal Group’s mobile notary services in New York are here to help. Our experienced team can assist with document preparation, verification, and notarization, ensuring that your Form I-9 process is handled efficiently and accurately. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist with your employment verification needs.
