How to Verify Immigration Status of Employees
- 1). Request Form I-9 from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), or retrieve the form online. Obtain the forms by visiting www.uscis.gov/forms or by calling (800) 870-3676. If you prefer, you can write to the USCIS by mail to make a request.
- 2). Have your employee fill in Section 1 of the form to provide identification information. The employee writes her first and last name, with a middle initial and any maiden name, as well as a complete address and date of birth. A Social Security Number is useful for verification, but the USCIS doesn't require this number. The employee attests to being authorized to work in the United States and signs and dates the form.
- 3). Complete Section 2 on the form. Examine the documents provided by the employee for proof of employment eligibility and identity. The employee can show the employer either a document that proves both identity and employment authorization or a document to show identity and a document to prove employment authorization. After examining the documents, make your honest judgment that the documents are documents on the employee, that they're genuine and one of the listed documents. You can review the list of acceptable documents at the end of Form I-9.
Fill in the document information. Write on the form the document title, the issuing authority, document number, any expiration date and the employment start date. You have three days after hiring the employee to complete Section 2. - 4). If you believe you need further verification for a new hire, use E-Verify online at USCIS. Access the E-Verify system at www.uscis.gov. Use the information provided by your employee on Form I-9 to verify that the employee is authorized to work in the United States. E-Verify doesn't cost you a fee.
- 5). Certify the identity and work authorization for your employee. Read the attestation on Form I-9, and fill in the date. Sign your name. Write your name and business address. Date the form.
- 6). Keep the original Form I-9 for your records. You're required to hold the record for three years or the time until one year after your employee ends employment, whichever is longer. A government official must be able to examine for proof of the employee's work authorization.
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