How to Handle Employees and I-9s

Posted on:

October 28, 2019

Question: I’m interested in hearing how I should handle employees NOT coming to work their first day with form(s) of ID for I-9 documentation. Do you continue to follow up with them and allow them to work? Do you send them home?

Answer: Employers must complete and sign Section 2 of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, within 3 business days of the date of hire of their employee (the hire date means the first day of work for pay.)

You might start by sending a “welcome” email out to all of your new hires several days before their first day. You can let them know what to expect and remind them to bring their forms of ID with them on the first day. A good practice is to include the I-9 list of approved documents in that email so that might help drive the importance home for them.

Best of luck!

DISCLAIMER
This response is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion, nor is this column a substitute for formal legal assistance.