One of the most important aspects of hiring new employees is the proper completion of the I-9 form. This form is used to verify an employee’s identity and authorization to work in the United States. With the rise of remote work, it’s important for employers to know how to properly complete the I-9 form for remote workers.
Step 1: Initial Meet and Greet
The initial meet and greet is an essential part of the I-9 process. In a remote setting, this can be done via video conference or phone call. During the initial meeting, the employer should inform the employee that they will need to complete the I-9 form and provide them with the necessary instructions and documents.
Step 2: Employee Provides Documents
The employee will need to provide the employer with necessary documents to confirm their identity and employment authorization. The employer should review these documents and verify that they are valid and belong to the employee.
Step 3: Employer Completes Section 2 of the I-9 Form
The employer must fill out section 2 of the I-9 form, which includes information about the documents provided by the employee as well as the employer’s verification of those documents. In a remote setting, the employer can view and check these documents via email or fax.
Step 4: Review and Verification
The employer should review the completed I-9 form to ensure that all sections have been properly filled out and that the documents provided by the employee are valid. If there are any issues or discrepancies, the employer should contact the employee to resolve these issues before submitting the form.
Step 5: Retaining the I-9 Form
The final step in the I-9 process is retaining the completed form. Employers must retain the I-9 form for each employee for at least three years after the date of hire, or one year after the employment ends, whichever is later. In a remote setting, the employer can retain the original or electronic copy of the I-9 form.
Conclusion
Completing the I-9 form for remote workers is just as important as completing it for on-site employees. By following these steps, employers can ensure that the form is properly completed and that their remote employees are authorized to work in the United States. It’s important for employers to stay up-to-date on all I-9 requirements to avoid any potential legal issues.
