The 2020 I-9 Form refers to the current version of the Employment Eligibility Verification form issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The I-9 Form is an essential document that employers in the United States are required to complete for each newly hired employee to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the country.
Designed to comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the I-9 Form plays a vital role in ensuring that employers hire only individuals who are authorized to work in the United States. By completing this form, employers are legally obligated to verify the employment eligibility of their employees and to maintain accurate records of these verifications.
The 2020 version of the I-9 Form came into effect on January 31, 2020, replacing the previous version dated July 17, 2017. While the form itself has not undergone significant changes, it is still crucial for employers to utilize the most up-to-date version to comply with the established regulations.
The 2020 I-9 Form consists of three sections: Section 1, Section 2, and Section 3. Each section serves a specific purpose in the employment verification process.
Section 1 of the 2020 I-9 Form requires employees to provide their personal information, including their full name, date of birth, Social Security number, email address, and residential address. Additionally, employees must indicate their citizenship or immigration status and provide information about their alien registration number, if applicable.
Section 2 of the form is completed by the employer or authorized representative. This section requires the employer to physically examine the employee’s identity and employment eligibility documents. The acceptable documents for verification include passports, driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, and certain types of work permits. The employer must record the document title, issuing authority, document number, and expiration date, if applicable.
Section 3 is utilized for reverification and rehires. If an employee’s employment authorization expires, the employer must complete this section to reverify the employee’s eligibility to continue working in the United States. Additionally, if an employee is rehired within three years of their initial employment, this section is used to update the employee’s information without requiring them to complete Section 1 again.
It is important for employers to meticulously complete the 2020 I-9 Form within three business days of an employee’s hire date. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth by the USCIS can result in penalties and legal consequences for employers.
Maintaining a strict record-keeping system is crucial when dealing with the I-9 Form. Employers must retain the form for either three years after the date of hire or one year after the termination of employment, whichever is later. It is imperative to securely store completed I-9 forms, as they may be subject to audits by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice.
In conclusion, the 2020 I-9 Form is a vital document in the United States that serves as a means for employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of their employees. By diligently completing this form and adhering to the USCIS guidelines, employers can fulfill their legal obligations and maintain the integrity of their workforce.
