The difficulties with I-9 compliance

But an organization doesn’t have to intentionally deceive the government to be hit with fines and penalties in an I-9 audit. With over 1,200 rules and regulations, a 100+ page manual, and 15 pages of instructions, completing the Form I-9 properly can be a tedious and complex task.

How to prepare for your I-9 audit with best practices — a case study

Cloud-based and automated tools take much of the stress out of an I-9 audit.

Abercrombie & Fitch learned some important lessons after their audit, and afterwards decided to switch to a Mitratech I-9 compliance solution. The best practices they learned from Mitratech?

• Develop and implement a regular audit process:
  • Regularly review your electronic I-9 system — both the e-processes and final completed forms
• Make it failsafe – have built-in error protection:
  • Protections include: I-9 cannot be filed electronically if fields are filled incorrectly or left blank; expired documents cannot be entered
• Keep it simple:
  • Instructions should be clear & concise for local managers responsible for creating the I-9
• Be sure it’s an integrated solution:
  • Ensure your I-9 software can integrate with any Applicant Tracking System already in place, making sure the form is completed at the time of hiring
• Enable portable authentication:
  • The I-9 software should automatically permit access for managers at a specific location, even if they are temporary

The easing of immigration restrictions under the Biden Administration will mean more work-based visas, and an easier path to citizenship (and employment) for many already in the country.

It also means many more changes to rules and regulations. The need for a comprehensive and automated compliance solution has never been greater.