USCIS Requires Employers to Use New Employment Verification Form

Employment verification is a very important part of the new hire process. Employers must ensure that the individuals they hire not only provide truthful information about their prior employment and education history, but that they also meet the federally mandated requirement of being legally eligible to work in the U.S.

One of the best ways to meet their obligation is for employers to use TruDiligence to complete pre-employment background checks in conjunction with the E-Verify system to authenticate employment eligibility on all new hires.

New I-9 Form for Employment Authorization and Identity

As of May 7, 2013, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) required all U.S. employers to use the new and improved I-9 Form.

The Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 allows employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility for people—both citizens and non-citizens—who want to work in the U.S.  Employers must complete the process within three business days after hiring each new employee.

Several things to note about the new verification form:

• Current employees don’t have to complete it unless required by federal contract
• It should only be used for new employees or for re-verification of the work status of current employees
• New employees must complete the form by the first day of work
• Employers must complete the form within three days of a new hire and on or before a work authorization expires for a current employee

The federal government may assess fines for “substantive and uncorrected technical violations of Form I-9” as well as for failing to use the form at all.

The largely voluntary E-Verify system enables employers to determine electronically whether applicants and employees are honest about their identity and employment authorization.

Employment Verifications Employer’s Obligation

When it comes to employment verifications, employers must be alert to their obligations. Using the I-9 Form is a federal requirement. However, ensuring the safety of your employees, customers, and other visitors is vital to the health of your business.

TruDiligence is a leading provider of applicant screening services to help protect you, your business, and everyone associated with your organization. For more information, browse our website, read our blog, and contact us for more information.