We have been discussing tips and tricks to help newly permanent residents with all that needs to be done once they are granted access to the United States. Most of the tips have been focused on what the individual themselves must do, but this tip will relate more to what their employer must do. It is still important for the individual themselves to be aware of what is going on, if for no other reason than to make sure this step is not skipped. A Form I-9 must be completed. Form I-9s are fairly standard. Every single U.S. employer must have one on file for every single employee they have, whether they are citizens or not. They are a requirement in order to hire for employment in the U.S. In order to complete the form, every employer must obtain a copy of each employee’s employment eligibility and identity documents. They must then examine the documents closely, and determine whether they are genuine, and relate specifically to the individual employee. They must then record this information on the Form I-9 before filing it. This process is very time-critical. Form I-9s must be completed with 3 days of an employee being hired. A human resource employee, representative, agent, or manager should always ensure that the I-9 is one of the first things a new employee completes.
Here are a list of documents that can be used as proof for a Form I-9:
- Current passport
- Form I-94, Arrival Departure Record
- A copy of a valid visa stamp in your passport
- Form I-797, Notice of Action