I-9 Compliance: How to Stay on Top of this Crucial Compliance Process

If you are a business owner, it is important to make sure you are always prepared for an I-9 Audit by U.S. government enforcement officials. Our dedicated team of legal professionals at Davis & Associates is here to help ensure that your company’s I-9 records comply with federal law.

Give us a call today at (214) 999-1942 to set up your free consultation with one of our attorneys.

What Do I Need for an I-9 Audit?

Employers must have a Form I-9 on file for every current employee hired on or after November 6, 1986. All sections of the I-9 form must have been fully filled out, and all re-validations should be completed in a timely manner.

Please note that you never have to re-validate the employment authorization of a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder). Any changes (change of name) or corrections (fixing a mistake) should include the initials and date of the person making the change/correction, among other requirements.

I-9 forms for former employees must be kept for three years from the employee’s hire date or one year after their final date of employment. Such forms can be retained on paper or electronically.

USCIS offers extensive information on I-9 compliance at: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/i-9-central

You can also find the employer handbook at: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/handbook-employers-m-274

Using E-Verify

Davis & Associates suggests that all U.S. employers use E-Verify because it’s safe, efficient, and ensures the documents you have been given are still valid. It even reminds you when someone’s employment authorization is coming up for re-verification. It also includes all updates regarding immigration law, such as 180-day auto extensions and Automatic Extensions of TPS and other protected statuses.

Register today at: https://www.e-verify.gov/employers

The I-9 is there to help with the employment verification process. Do not deviate from its requirements by asking for additional documentation to verify a person’s employment authorization. Otherwise, you could risk liability for discrimination.

*This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

You can call on us at any time to assist you with auditing your I-9 files to ensure compliance or to be present during an audit. If you are unsure about the documentation you have been presented with by an employee, call (214) 999-1942 to ask us for help.