Did you know that this form was made to identify, verify, and protect the identities of those seeking employment in the U.S. ? Additionally, this form accompanies the application for any new hires. This is to ensure their identity. The employment verification form I-9 is an important document for employers to have on file.
There are penalties that could be associated with not complying with this particular form. Some of them could be fines that range anywhere between $250 and $5,500 per worker. Although that value will usually fall in the middle.
Additionally, employers can be penalized to different levels. An employe could be criminally prosecuted under other immigration laws. There is a lot to know about this form and we plan to cover it all.
In this post, we will provide you with information about what this form is and how long it lasts. We will also talk about where you can find it, and more. Keep reading to find out the things you didn’t know that you needed to know about the I-9 form.
What Is The Employment Verification Form I-9?
As we know, the employment verification form I-9 is a tool used by employers to verify identity. It’s also used to verify eligibility to work within the country. It’s also a little confusing, because it has two different names. They were, “Employment Eligibility Verification” form and the “Employment Eligibility Confirmation” form.
The first name refers to its role in verifying that employees are eligible to work in the United States. The second refers to its function as a confirmation of employment eligibility after hiring someone new or transferring them from another employer who had already completed this process with USCIS. This form usually has is usually filled out by employers and employees
The form made it illegal for employers to knowingly hire or continue to employ individuals who are not authorized to work in the United States.
A Brief History on Employment Verification Form I-9
This document is what’s used to verify that an individual has been legally admitted to work in the United States. Congress created it as part of the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986.
The IRCA made it illegal for employers to hire unauthorized workers. It has required companies to verify all new employees. This is usually done with the federal government’s immigration authorities. This has to be complete within three days from the date of hire as well.
There are some changes on this requirement. But employers still must use this form before hiring any employee. As something to keep in mind, there isn’t usually a way to get around providing this form at the time of new employment.
How Long Does the Form Last?
The Employment Verification Form I-9 is valid for three years after it’s completed. If an individual does not leave the United States during that time, then there is no need for their employer to complete a new form.
However, if they do leave and return again afterwards, or they’re transferred from another company where this process has already gone through completion with USCIS, then their employers will need to once more go through the verification form I-9 completion process again. Other cases when this should be redone is if the initial form is expiring.
Why Does the Form Only Last Three Years?
The reason why Employer Eligibility Verification forms only last three years is because after a certain amount of time, it’s possible that the individual may have switched jobs. They could have moved to another country, or possibly terminated. It’s also possible that someone could have forged employment status documentation to gain employment illegally.
Since the documentation is used to ensure that individuals get authorized by USCIS to work in the United States, it’s important to to keep track of the expirations associated with this form.
Employers who continue employment authorization documents beyond their expiration dates risk legal consequences for making an “unfair or discriminatory labor practice” if they do not take steps necessary to make sure all employees’ eligibility verification forms meet current standards.
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What Documents Are Acceptable for the Employment Verification Form I-9?
The documents that are acceptable to complete the Employment Verification Form I-9 process include a few things. Some are unexpired US passports, Permanent Resident Cards (Green Card), and an Alien Registration Receipt card for those who are not US citizens.
There are also a variety of other documents which can be located on the USCIS website that list both acceptable and unacceptable forms of identification.
What Do Businesses Do With It?
Once a company has received the Employment Verification Form I-9 from an employee, what happens next? The form is then processed and the information is verified. Once this process is complete, the employer will retain a copy of the form for their records.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also retains a copy of the form. In simple terms, the DHS will also crosscheck the information on the form with other government databases to make sure that everything matches up. This process helps to prevent identity theft and fraud.
It’s important to note that providing false information on an employment verification form can lead to criminal charges. So, be sure, to be honest when completing the form. If you have any questions, be sure to speak with your employer or an immigration lawyer if needed.
How Long Does It Take to Process the Employment Verification Form I-9?
In short, it takes between 24 and 48 hours for an employer to have your I-9 form verified. This is a standard waiting time to have the verification process completed.
What Is an I-9 Compliance Audit?
An employment verification form I-9 Compliance Audit is the process when all provided forms get matched to the current roster of the company. The purpose of this is to cross check both documents for accuracy.
Can I Opt Out of Providing It?
No, unfortunately, you cannot opt out of providing the employment verification form I-9. There are no exceptions to this rule whether it is your first day on a job or tenth year at that particular place of employment.
The only exception might be in certain situations such as if you have some sort of disability (for example, speech impairments) where it may cause issues for you to provide the required information. This is why its important to know how to get to the electronic form or printout version. We will explain later in the post.
In short, there will never be any way around submitting this form directly to your employer.
Employment Verification Form I-9: Does My Employer Really Need One?
Yes, otherwise, they would end up being fined an amount up to $5500 per employee that was hired without proper verification having been provided by the employer.
The idea behind this document submission process is to help employers avoid hiring undocumented workers as well as reduce chances of tax evasion among other illicit activities which could take place in cases of identity fraud, etc.
As mentioned earlier, it is not possible to opt out of providing the employment verification form I-9 so be sure to fill it out completely and in the most accurate way. Remain honest throughout the process as well. This is to avoid any issues with your place of employment or during tax season.
How Do I Find the Form?
The original Employment Eligibility Verification Forms can be obtained through USCIS website. There you will find a number of different versions of these documents which employers may use depending on their particular hiring needs and circumstances.
This is a great resource for an I-9 form download. Employees also receive copies when completing them with their employer.
How to Fill Out the Employment Verification Form I-9
The employment verification form I-9 is used to verify the identity and employment eligibility of new employees. It must be completed by the employee and his or her employer within three days of starting work.
The form consists of two parts.
Part one is for verification of the employee’s identity, and Part Two is for verification of the employee’s employment eligibility. Both parts must be completed to verify employment eligibility. Part one asks for basic information about the employee, such as name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
This information must match what is on the employee’s identification documents. Such as a driver’s license or passport. Part two asks for information about the employee’s work eligibility.
This section must be completed by the employer, who will attest to whether or not the employee is authorized to work for them. This is how the process is generally implemented.
How Do Other Countries Verify Employment?
Many countries have their own process for verifying employment eligibility. For example, in Bahrain, an employer may request to see a passport and copies of degrees or other qualifications earned by the employee. In Kuwait, employers can verify work authorization through the country’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.
The process is similar in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Qatar has a website where employers can verify work authorization online. Employers in Saudi Arabia can also visit the website of the Ministry of Labor to find out about verification procedures.
In the United Arab Emirates, employers can go to the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs for more information.
Anything Else to Know?
The information provided on this form is always used to identify any discrepancies that could come up. If any issues do arise it may result in penalties for both you as a worker and your employer. Here are a few additional things to know about the employment verification form I-9.
The form itself isn’t required for volunteer workers to complete. Additionally, contractors aren’t required to fill out an I-9 form. In the case of a particular role potentially going to full-time is when a contractor would need to have it filled out.
So, What Are the Key Things to Take Away?
This document in almost every case has to be completed for all new hires, regardless of citizenship status. There are a few additional things to keep in mind and take away from this information.
- You can use the electronic version or you can print it
- Employers complete section one of the form. While employees are responsible for completing sections two and three
- Section one asks for basic information about the employee, such as name, social security number, date of birth, etc.
- Sections two and three ask questions about the employee’s work authorization and verification documents
- Employers are not allowed to ask employees for their social security number until after the employee has been hired or during a background check which potential employees input themselves
- The form must be kept on file for at least three years after the employee’s termination date
Now You Have a Better Idea
Completing the employment verification form I-9 is an important step in verifying employment eligibility. It also safeguards the practices of companies that are recruiting for open positions. Now that you have a better idea of what the employment verification form is, how to fill it out, and where to find the form, navigating the process should be less difficult.
By following these instructions, you can ensure that the process goes smoothly. If you found this information to be helpful, read more of out articles.