Employers need to complete Form I-9, along with E-Verify, within 3 days of hiring every new employee in the U.S. to establish identity and employment authorization. USCIS Form I-9 needs to be filled out for each employee no later than the third business day after a person starts work. It is the responsibility of employers to review documents provided from employees when they establish legal authorization to work. The fines and penalties for not filling out Form I-9, or for not keeping Form I-9 on file and updating it, can pile up quickly. 

E-Verify is an Internet-based program operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in conjunction with the Social Security Administration (SSA), which permits electronic verification of an employee’s eligibility to work in the United States. E-Verify is available at no cost to employers, but federally mandated for certain federal contractors and businesses in some states. Under E-Verify, employers fill out Form I-9 and then enter the employee’s information into the system to verify employment eligibility. If a Tentative Nonconfirmation (TNC) result is returned from E-Verify, employers have a duty to inform the employee and provide the employee with an opportunity to resolve the issue. Employers will need to keep accurate accounting of these forms, periodically auditing their I-9 forms, and remaining aware of any changes in employment verification regulations. The importance of handling staff training to correctly verifying and not discriminate, can’t be stressed enough while we wish to include best hiring practices and best recruitment tips. Failing to comply can lead to fines, penalties, and even litigation so it is important for you to comply with all relevant federal and state employment verification requirements. Refer to the official E-Verify User Manual for details.