The I-9 form is essential for employers and employees in the United States. It is also referred to as the Employment Eligibility Verification form and is required to ensure the identity and employment authorization of persons hired for work in the U.S. In connection with the upcoming year 2024, tracking the changes or updates in the I9 form and the requirements for documents is essential.
What is the I9 Form?
The I9 form is the mandatory one that every employer in the United States must do for the person it hires. It is also part of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requirements, ensuring work eligibility in the country. The form demands the employees provide their identity documents and employment authorization. The documents are required to be provided according to three lists. They include List A, List B, and List C.
Documents Required for the I9 Form
- List A Documents: These documents establish both identity and employment authorization. Examples include U.S. passports, permanent resident cards, or foreign passports with a temporary I-551 stamp.
- List B Documents: These documents establish identity only. Examples include driver’s licenses or I.D. cards issued by state governments, school I.D. cards with a photograph, or voter registration cards.
- List C Documents: These documents only establish employment authorization. Examples are social security cards without restrictions, birth certificates, or U.S. citizen’s I.D. cards.
Employers must also review these documents to ascertain if they are legitimate and indeed belong to the person who presents them. The employee should have given it to them within three days after they began working.
I9 Form Changes in 2024
Close to 2024, the I9 form may undergo several other changes, and employers need to know these changes. The recipient should review any changes and ensure they comply with the updated form to prevent fines. From time to time, USCIS frequently updates this document for various reasons, such as the growing demand or changes in the law that need attention. Recipients must visit the USCIS website periodically and download the latest I9 form.
Tips on How to Ensure Completion of the I9 Form
- Completion duration: It should take at most three business days from starting employment.
- Double-check Information: It is paramount to ensure all the information is correct when filling out the form. Failing to do so will require correction, thus defeating the purpose of filling out the form correctly.
- Effective document review: The recipients should know how to look for authentic documents presented to them and how to spot forgeries.
- Secure information: All I9 forms for current and cleared past employees should be securely kept and accessed if needed.
- Training and Resources: Train H.R. personnel who are in charge of completing and reviewing the I9 form. Use the USCIS website to access resources such as guides, webinars, and other educational materials to continue learning the best practices and compliance requirements.
Most Common Mistakes Against Compliance
- Using the Previous Revision: Only use the updated version of the I9 form. Using the last version can be the cause of falling off compliance.
- Incomplete Sections of the Form: The individual must complete all sections of the I9 form. Only complete information will lead to the form being considered complete.
- The wrong document types chosen are as follows: Employee documents from lists A, B, or C must be present. The selected documents must be current and valid.
- No Reverification: Take re-verification of employment eligibility seriously for employees with an end date to their eligibility.
Conclusion
The I-9 form is essential when legalizing workers within the U.S. To remain compliant, an employer must always follow the most recent revisions and best practices when filling out the form. The USCIS website is always available to provide more information and resources about completing an I-9 form and other employment verification guidelines. Contact a professional service provider like Syed Professional Services for more personalized assistance.
