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Writer's pictureKerri Straw, PHR/SHRM-CP

The Vital Importance of Timely and Accurate Completion of Form I-9

In the realm of workforce management and compliance, few documents hold as much significance as Form I-9. Created by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Form I-9, officially known as the Employment Eligibility Verification Form, serves as a critical tool for verifying the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired for employment in the United States. Its timely and accurate completion carries immense importance for both employers and employees. With the release of the new I9, understanding how to complete it is important. In this blog, we delve into the reasons why completing Form I-9 correctly and promptly is non-negotiable.


Legal Compliance and Avoidance of Penalties:

The most compelling reason to complete Form I-9 accurately and on time is to ensure compliance with federal regulations. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 mandates that employers verify the identity and work eligibility of every employee hired after November 6, 1986, through the completion of Form I-9. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to substantial penalties, ranging from fines to even criminal charges in cases of deliberate fraud or negligence.


Prevention of Discrimination:

By establishing a uniform process of employment verification, Form I-9 helps prevent discrimination in hiring. It requires all employees, regardless of their national origin or citizenship status, to provide the same set of documents to establish their identity and employment eligibility. Treating all employees equally during the verification process is essential to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace.


Protection Against Unauthorized Employment:

Completing Form I-9 diligently helps employers avoid unknowingly hiring unauthorized workers. By carefully examining the documents presented by the employee and ensuring they are genuine and match the information provided, employers can safeguard themselves against inadvertently employing individuals who are not legally eligible to work in the United States.


Documentation for Audits and Inspections:

Government agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Labor, conduct periodic audits and inspections of employers' records to ensure compliance with immigration and labor laws. A well-maintained Form I-9 serves as a crucial piece of evidence during such audits. Employers who can demonstrate their commitment to compliance through accurate and organized documentation are more likely to navigate these audits successfully.


Streamlining the Onboarding Process:

Completing Form I-9 promptly as part of the employee onboarding process helps streamline the hiring process. Delays in completing the form can result in unnecessary bottlenecks and potential disruptions to business operations. By incorporating Form I-9 into the initial stages of onboarding, employers can ensure that new hires are swiftly integrated into their roles.


Employee Confidence and Professionalism:

When employees see their employers taking compliance seriously, it instills a sense of confidence in the organization. Employees are more likely to trust and respect employers who adhere to legal requirements and create a professional and compliant work environment.


Conclusion:

In a landscape where regulations surrounding immigration and employment are continually evolving, the significance of timely and accurate completion of Form I-9 cannot be overstated. Employers must recognize that the completion of this seemingly routine form has far-reaching implications for their business, their employees, and their legal standing. By prioritizing the proper completion of Form I-9, organizations can contribute to a compliant, inclusive, and efficient work environment while avoiding the potential pitfalls of non-compliance.


If you would like to learn more about the I9 and how to complete the new 2023 form correctly, please join us on August 30th at 10:00am PDT for a webinar on the new 2023 I9 form. To register for this event, please visit our event page at www.omniahr.com/training-events.



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