The 2023 I9 Form is a crucial document that employers in the United States are required to complete and maintain for each employee they hire. It is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals who are authorized to work in the country. The form is named after Section 1 of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which mandates that all employers verify the identity and eligibility of their employees.
The 2023 I9 Form consists of three sections that capture relevant information about the employee and the employment verification process. It is essential for employers to accurately complete this form and retain it for the required period, as failure to do so can result in penalties and legal consequences.
Section 1 of the 2023 I9 Form must be completed by the employee on or before their first day of employment. This section collects personal details such as full name, address, date of birth, and social security number. The employee must also indicate their immigration status or provide alien or admission number, expiration date, and other pertinent details for non-U.S. citizens.
Section 2 of the form is the employer’s responsibility and must be completed within three business days of the employee’s first day of work. This section includes the employer’s review and verification of the documents presented by the employee as evidence of their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a Permanent Resident Card, an employment authorization document, and other specified documents.
Section 3 is for updating and re-verifying information when required, such as in cases of rehires, name changes, or extensions of work authorization. This section is completed by the employer either within 90 days of the employee’s work authorization expiration date or within three business days of their rehire.
The purpose of the 2023 I9 Form is to establish the legal basis for an individual’s employment in the United States. It ensures employers comply with federal immigration laws and protects both employees and employers from unlawful hiring practices. The form must be retained by employers for three years after the date of hire or one year after the employment relationship ends, whichever is later. Failure to maintain the form for the specified period can result in significant penalties.
It is worth noting that the 2023 I9 Form undergoes periodic revisions to accommodate changes in immigration policies and employment eligibility requirements. Employers must ensure they are using the current version of the form, as using an outdated version may lead to compliance issues.
In conclusion, the 2023 I9 Form is a vital component of the employee onboarding process for employers in the United States. It serves as an official record of an individual’s identity and authorization to work in the country. Compliance with the requirements of the form is crucial to avoid legal consequences and maintain a sound employer-employee relationship. Employers should familiarize themselves with the form and its instructions to ensure accurate completion and retention of this important employment document.
