When your company is hiring a new employee, you must make sure this person can legally work in the United States. So, as a manager, what do you need to know? If you’re not sure, here’s our basic guide to employment eligibility verification.
What Is Employment Eligibility Verification?
Employment Eligibility Verification confirms the identity and employment status of workers in the United States. Those eligible for employment include U.S. citizens as well as individuals holding a green card, work permit, or employment-related visa.
Is Employment Eligibility Verification Required by Law?
The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 makes it illegal for businesses to knowingly hire illegal workers. Organizations must complete and retain Form I-9 for each of their employees. Companies that fail to follow the rules may be subject to civil fines and criminal penalties.
What Is Form I-9?
Form I-9 is the paperwork required for employment eligibility verification. The form is available on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Individuals must complete the form and provide documents, such as a U.S. Passport, proving their eligibility to work.
What Should We Do with Completed I-9 Forms?
Companies are required to keep all completed Forms I-9 on file while and for a certain amount of time after an employee stops working for them. For more information, visit retaining Form I-9 on the USCIS website. To simplify storage, the USCIS also allows electronic retention of Form I-9.
What Is E-Verify?
E-Verify is an Internet-based tool that evaluates an employee’s Form I-9. The system compares the information on submitted I-9s to records available from the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration. E-Verify can return results in as little as three to five seconds.
Does E-Verify Replace Form I-9?
Although this may be confusing, the answer is NO! Even when using E-Verify, employers must comply with the I-9 process. E-Verify is an additional tool companies can use to confirm employees are eligible to work in the United States.
Do I Have to Use E-Verify?
Currently, E-Verify is a voluntary program. However, a growing number of states are mandating the use of this system. In addition, employers with federal contracts containing the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) E-Verify clause are required to enroll.
How Much Does E-Verify Cost?
E-Verify is free. But to correctly use the system, companies must invest in training their staff. Therefore, many organizations find it more cost-effective to outsource E-Verify services to a third party for a fee.
Can a Screening Service Take Care of Employment Eligibility Verification?
Yes! Most background screening providers offer employment eligibility verification (Form I-9), electronic I-9 processing, and E-Verify services. Plus, a screening company can help you successfully navigate local, state, and federal regulations, so you don’t have to worry about compliance issues. To find a top screening provider, look for those with PBSA accreditation.
Does Your Business Need Help with I-9 Processing and E-Verify?
As a leading pre-employment screening provider, Metrodata Services can assist your business with employment eligibility verification, electronic I-9 processing, and E-Verify. Learn more about the benefits of partnering with us today!