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Answering Your I-9 and E-Verify Frequently Asked Questions

Date Published: December 08, 2015 | Last Updated: September 15, 2023 | By Accurate Background

If you have hired someone after November 6, 1986, there is a pretty good chance that you have heard of the Form I-9. This form is required by USCIS for all employers to ensure employees are eligible to work in the United States. An online program called E-Verify is a Federal database that is also often used in conjunction with Form I-9 for confirming work eligibility of employees. Accurate Background recently hosted an “I-9 Best Practices” webinar with Montserrat Miller of Arnall, Golden, Gregory.  Over 300 employers attended and the FAQ’s below are real questions that employers have asked and will be helpful for all employers during their hiring process.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the most current version of the Form I-9?

The new form can be found at the USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/i9.  Along the bottom left hand corner of the form the date will be 03/08/13 N. This is the newest and most current version.

 2. Does the Form I-9 need to be completed on the first day of hire or within 3 days of hire?

Section 1 of the Form I-9 needs to be completed by the end of the first working day. The complete form (to include Section 2) needs to be completed within the first 3 days of pay.

 3. Can an employer use the Form I-9 but not use E-Verify?

Yes, unless the employer is a federal contractor with the FAR clause or if they are operating in a state that is mandated to use E-Verify.

4. What is the best way to ensure a new hire brings acceptable documentation on their first day without seeming like the employer is requiring certain documentation?

The best way is to share with the employee the list of acceptable documents the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) offers. This list shows the various forms of documentation that the employee can provide. The website is: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/acceptable-documents/who-issued-document

5. How can an employer register for E-Verify?

The employer can enroll on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website: https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/you-start

6. Is there a charge to use E-Verify?

It is free of charge. However, some companies that will act as an EEA (Employer E-Verify Agent) may charge a small fee to provide services for your company.

7. What is the FAR clause that might be in a federal contract?

It is a clause inserted by the contracting officer that instructs the employer to use the E-Verify program. It is based on a presidential executive order that mandates the use of E-Verify by federal contractors and is found in the Federal Acquisition Rule (FAR).

Through our online platform, the Accurate API, or an ATS integration you will gain access to Accurate I-9, our premium electronic I-9 and E-Verify solution that allows employers a quick, reliable, and compliant way to complete the Form I-9 process. Contact Accurate Background to learn more about our I-9 and E-Verify solutions.