The 2017 I-9 Form, also known as the Employment Eligibility Verification Form, is a document produced by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is used by employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired for employment in the United States.
The I-9 Form is required by federal law for all employers in the United States, regardless of the size of their business or the number of employees they have. The form must be completed for each employee hired and retained, including citizens and noncitizens. It serves as a record of employment authorization and helps employers comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
The 2017 I-9 Form consists of three sections. The first section requires the employee to provide their full legal name, date of birth, social security number, and contact information. Additionally, the employee must indicate their immigration status and provide either their Alien Registration Number or Form I-94 Admission Number.
The second section of the form is completed by the employer. It requires the employer to examine the employee’s original documents that establish both their identity and employment eligibility. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Document, and other specific forms of identification outlined in the instructions of the I-9 Form. The employer must record the document title, issuing authority, document number, expiration date (if applicable), and the date of hire.
The final section of the 2017 I-9 Form is reserved for reverification and rehires. If an employee’s employment authorization document expires, the employer must reverify the employee’s eligibility by examining a new document. The employer must complete this section if the employee’s employment is terminated and then rehired within three years of the date on the original I-9 Form.
It is crucial for employers to understand that the 2017 I-9 Form must be completed within the specified timeframe. Employees must complete section 1 of the form by their first day of employment, while employers must complete section 2 within three business days of the employee’s start date.
Failure to properly complete and retain the 2017 I-9 Form can result in severe penalties for employers, including fines and potential legal consequences. Employers should ensure they stay up-to-date with any modifications or updates to the form provided by USCIS. It is also recommended that employers maintain a systematic process for retaining and storing completed I-9 Forms to comply with recordkeeping requirements.
In summary, the 2017 I-9 Form is a vital document for employers in the United States to verify the eligibility of employees to work legally in the country. It helps ensure compliance with federal immigration laws and plays a crucial role in promoting a legal and authorized workforce. Employers must thoroughly understand the requirements and instructions provided by USCIS to effectively complete and retain the form, thereby avoiding potential penalties and legal repercussions.
