Form I-9 Self-Audit Essentials: How to Verify Employee Documentation Accurately

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Form I-9 Self-Audit Essentials: How to Verify Employee Documentation Accurately

November 27, 2023

People auditing with text: Form I-9 Self-Audit Essentials: How to Verify Employee Documentation

As a responsible employer operating in the United States, it is imperative to complete and retain a Form I-9 for every individual you employ, irrespective of their citizenship status. This important document serves as a cornerstone, confirming an employee's identity and legal authorization to work within the country.

Failure to adhere to Form I-9 regulations can result in significant fines and penalties. It is vital for employers to remain vigilant, ensuring meticulous compliance with these important immigration and employment laws. With the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Immigration Services ( USCIS ) constantly issuing changes, it can make it difficult to keep up.

Conducting a Form I-9 self-audit can help you identify any potential issues and ensure compliance with federal law. A self-audit can also provide you with an indication of good-faith compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 . The primary focus of any internal audit should be on ensuring all current and recent employees have a completed I-9.

Steps To Perform a Form I-9 Self Audit

1. Collect All Employee Documentation

Initiate the audit by collecting all I-9 forms, including those for current and former employees. Maintain detailed records for each employee, incorporating any updates or corrections made over time.

2. Thoroughly Review Each Form I-9

Carefully examine each form to guarantee completeness and accuracy. Verify that all mandatory fields are filled correctly, emphasizing accurate information. This scrutiny extends to confirming the authenticity of the employee's identity and employment authorization documents. If an employee has indicated temporary work authorization in Section 1, you must re-verify when appropriate.

3: Identify I-9 Errors or Omissions and Address Mistakes

Throughout the audit, pinpoint any errors or omissions that require correction. This includes addressing missing or incomplete details, inaccurate dates, or absent signatures. It's essential to ensure the data provided on the Form I-9 aligns precisely with the information presented by the employee and their supporting documents. Some of the most common Form I-9 mistakes include:

Missing I-9s for current employees;
Incomplete personal information;
Unidentified status for U.S. citizens;
Lack of an employee signature;
Failure to designate whether a translator was used; and
An untimely completed form.

4. Effectively Correct Form I-9 Errors

Upon detecting errors, corrections can be made exclusively in Sections 2 and 3 of the I-9 form. Section 1 errors or missing designations must be rectified by the employee. Clearly document any corrections made, indicating both the corrected information and the date of amendment.
It's crucial never to discard or conceal mistakes on previous I-9 forms. Corrections should be made transparently and formally, either by drawing a line through the error, entering accurate information, and initialing and dating the change.
In cases where multiple errors arise, consider filling out a new I-9 form. Include a memorandum explaining the changes and the need for a new form, attaching the note and new form securely to the original document. Proper documentation and adherence to these steps are fundamental in maintaining I-9 compliance.

Simplify I-9 Self Audits with HRlogics Compliance Hive

With HRlogics Compliance Hive and the Form I-9 compliance solution , conducting I-9 self-audits becomes effortless. The intuitive platform streamlines the I-9 compliance process, ensuring all current and recent employee forms are up to date. HRlogics’ I-9 compliance solution is a comprehensive tool, offering configurable features, intuitive workflows, and secure document storage.

Whether you're managing remote or onsite hiring, the HRlogics platform simplifies I-9 compliance , allowing you to focus on your business's growth. With HRlogics Compliance Hive , conducting internal audits is no longer a daunting task but a seamless and efficient process, giving you the confidence that your business is compliant and secure.