How long do you retain I-9 forms?

Employers must retain Form I-9 for each employee for either three years after the date of hire or one year after employment ends—whichever is later. Proper retention and timely disposal are essential to staying compliant and avoiding audit risks .

What are common I-9 mistakes?

Common I-9 mistakes include missing or incomplete fields, incorrect document verification, failing to meet deadlines, and improper storage or retention of forms. These errors can lead to compliance issues and potential fines if identified during an audit.

Does every employer need to use E-Verify?

No. E-Verify isn’t required for every employer. For many private employers, it’s voluntary at the federal level. However, some employers are required to use E-Verify based on state law, federal contracts, industry, or other specific requirements. Because E-Verify requirements vary by state and continue to change, employers should check the rules that apply to their workforce. See WorkBright’s E-Verify Requirements by State guide for a state-by-state breakdown.

What are common E-Verify mistakes?

Common E-Verify mistakes include entering incorrect employee information, missing the three-business-day deadline, mishandling Tentative Nonconfirmations (TNCs), and failing to close cases properly. Employers can also run into trouble by using E-Verify inconsistently or submitting existing employees who shouldn’t be in the system. Want to avoid the most common pitfalls? Read WorkBright’s guide to common E-Verify mistakes and best practices .

I-9 compliance resource center

Resource hub

I-9 compliance center

Q: What is I-9 compliance?

I-9 compliance refers to the process employers must follow to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all employees hired in the United States. This includes properly completing Form I-9, reviewing acceptable documents , and maintaining accurate records in accordance with federal regulations.

Explore WorkBright’s library of I-9 and E-Verify compliance resources designed to help HR teams stay audit-ready, reduce risk, and streamline employment verification workflows.

I-9 compliance articles and guides

Stay ahead of changing requirements with practical insights, expert guidance, and actionable tips for managing I-9 compliance and keeping your workforce audit ready.

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What is I-9 compliance?

Form I-9 compliance means verifying every new hire’s identity and authorization to work in the U.S. While the process may seem straightforward, small errors can lead to fines, delays, and increased scrutiny from ICE. This resource center covers the essentials of I-9 compliance, from completing and correcting forms to avoiding common mistakes and staying audit-ready.

How to stay audit-ready

Don’t wait for an ICE audit to find I-9 issues. Learn how to conduct internal audits, correct errors, and build an audit-ready I-9 process from day one.

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