BlogLine

I-9 & E-Verify: 7 Smart Tips To Improve Your Compliance Efforts

1/10/14

By: Kelly Eisenlohr-Moul
Concerned about I-9 audits or E-Verify compliance?  Consider implementing these smart tips:
(1)    Don’t allow employees to begin work until the I-9 form is complete.  This reduces the risk of late completion or incomplete forms.  It’s also easier to ask the employee to come back the next day with proper documents than to follow up with them within the 3-day window. 
(2)    Train your staff.  The easiest way to train your staff regarding the I-9 and E-Verify processes is via free, online webinars sponsored by US Customs and Immigration Services.  
(3)    Keep Forms I-9 in a separate file (don’t lump them in with the rest of your personnel documents). 
(4)    Conduct an annual self-audit to monitor your own compliance.  See this blog post for a description of the process. 
(5)    Don’t seek advice from ICE/DHS or any other administrative agency.  Asking for assistance or guidance from an administrative agency is likely to land you on the short list for an audit, especially if your inquiry relates to a novel or hot-button issue.   
(6)    Beware of document abuse complaints.  Don’t ask employees for specific documents or more documents than you need to complete Section 2 of the Form I-9. 
(7)    Review each Form I-9 before an employee leaves your payroll.  This may be your last chance to collect missing information or correct inadvertent errors.