If you’re not familiar with the I-9 form, it’s basically a document that employers use to verify their employees’ eligibility to work in the United States. The form itself is pretty simple, but there are a few things that can trip people up – like making sure all the information is entered correctly and getting it signed by a notary public. Thankfully, we’ve put together this handy guide to help make the process as smooth and easy as possible. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about getting your I-9 form notarized!
What is the I-9 form and why is it important?
The I-9 form is an important document to have when it comes to governing the requirements of employment in the United States. At its most basic, it essentially serves as a verification system for employers that indicates that everyone being hired is an eligible citizen or work-authorized noncitizen.
This form was put into place by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and has been continually updated ever since. Its primary purpose is to confirm the identity and eligibility of all newly hired employees for U.S. employment—it does this by having new hires fill out relevant sections and then having those sections signed off on by their hiring manager, along with providing pertinent identification documents (such as a passport or driver’s license).
With this form, employers must follow set guidelines to ensure they remain in compliance with immigration laws or face significant fines or jail time. It would be wise, then, to ensure that these forms are completed successfully and accurately each time they are administered; otherwise, future instances of hiring may be subject to audit or other legal implications.
In any case, having an effective management strategy in place can help dramatically reduce the confusion and hassle associated with the I-9 process and keep businesses safe from potential litigation. Knowing why this form exists and what it entails can save employers a lot of trouble down the road!
How to fill out the I-9 form
When it comes to onboarding new employees to any business, one of the biggest challenges can be understanding and correctly filling out the I-9 form. This document serves as a way to certify that all workers are authorized to work in the United States, and is required by law for every employee in your business. It is important that you do your best to fill this form out properly, as incomplete or incorrect forms can lead to fines or other disciplinary action. To make sure you get it right, begin by obtaining an up-to-date version of the I-9 form from the USCIS.
Next, obtain mandatory documents such as a driver’s license or passport from your employee, and make copies for yourself that correspond with each item on their I-9 form.
Finally, complete Section 3 of the I-9 form within 3 days of starting employment. Make sure to check all boxes and enter any requested information accurately; sign where appropriate. Then keep all versions of this document in a separate folder for at least 4 years after the conclusion of a person’s employment with your company.
Who needs to complete the I-9 form
If you’re an employer in the U.S., you may have heard of the I-9 form. This document is required by law and must be filled out for all new employees, regardless of citizenship or national origin. It serves as proof that each employee is authorized to work in the United States. That being said, there are certain instances where employers may not need to fill out an I-9: volunteers, students working on a campus, contract workers, independent contractors, and those who are already established employees need not fill out the form upon rehiring.
In all other cases – any newly hired, permanent employee – it is necessary for both the employer and the employee to complete an I-9 form before any other onboarding activities can take place. Failing to do so can land employers in legal hot water, so if you’re a business looking to hire new staff, make sure that completing this form is one of your top priorities!
When to complete the I-9 form
Completing the I-9 form is an important part of the hiring process for any business. This document, which was developed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), helps employers verify that a potential employee is allowed to work in the United States. It must be completed within three days of the employee’s start date, but it may be filled out up to 30 days prior to the start date if needed. Employers should also keep in mind that electronic signatures cannot be accepted on I-9 forms; employees must complete the form with a wet signature.
Tips for completing the I-9 form accurately
Completing the I-9 form accurately is essential for ensuring that all new hires meet federal employment requirements. The form, issued by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), verifies that individuals are authorized to work in the country legally. But due to its complexity, it can be tricky for Human Resources departments to get it right every time. Here are some tips for making sure your I-9 forms are correctly filled out: make sure the employee has included any aliases they might go by; always check the expiration date on documents like passports and driver’s licenses; take extra care when verifying information through E-Verify; double check that all required fields have been filled out and documented properly; keep copies of all documentation and save them in a secure location; ensure that all new hires sign each page of the form; and review each document as soon as you receive it – errors spotted early on can be easily corrected then. With some knowledge and preparation, your organization should have no problem filling out I-9s correctly and efficiently.
FAQ about the I-9 process
The I-9 process is an important part of ensuring that your organization or business follows the labor regulations set out by the Department of Homeland Security. It requires employers to verify that all new employees are legally eligible to work in the U.S., and it helps to ensure a secure working environment for everyone. To help you better understand this process, here’s a quick list of Frequently Asked Questions on I-9s:
What documents do I need to complete the I-9? The necessary documents will be determined by each employee’s situation, but generally include items such as a driver’s license, passport, social security card, green card, or employment authorization document.
How long does it take to complete an I-9 form? Generally speaking, completing and filing an I-9 should only take about 10 minutes.
How often do I need to submit an updated I-9 form? An employer must always make sure they have current valid Form I-9 for each person on their payroll. This is typically done when employment is first given, or if someone changes their address or job title within the same company.
Are all employers required to complete an I-9 form? Yes – any employer who hires workers from outside the United States must comply with Form I-9 and submit verification documents at time of hire.
What happens if somebody fails to provide acceptable documentation? If valid documentation isn’t provided, then hiring that individual would go against federal law – so complaints may result in penalties issued by government agencies such as USCIS.
Hopefully this brief FAQ has helped you understand a bit more about what’s involved in the interview and hiring process!
Final Thoughts:
The I-9 form is an essential part of the employment process in the United States. All employers must ensure that all employees complete this form, regardless of citizenship status. The I-9 Form certifies that an individual is authorized to work in the U.S. Employees must fill out Section 1 of the I-9 on their first day of work, and employers must review and verify the documentation listed in Sections 2 & 3 within three days of hire.
If you have any questions about how to complete the I-9 Form or what documents are acceptable for verification, please Book an appointment on PDX Fingerprinting or contact us for assistance.
