NEENAH, Wis.-Five. That's the average number of errors found on I-9 forms according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). With I-9 audits on the rise, employers need to understand the employment authorization process-from start to finish-and how to comply.
"Though the Form I-9 process may seem simple, employers continually struggle to complete the form correctly," said Katherine Loehrke, editor of Human Resources content for J. J. Keller. "With a continued government focus on immigration, employers are more at risk than ever of being on the receiving end of a federal I-9 audit. In just the last few years, I-9 audits have resulted in millions of dollars in fines, criminal sanctions, and negative publicity for thousands of employers."
As of May 7, 2013, employers must be using the revised I-9 form, which replaces the 2009 version. For step-by-step instructions on how to fill out the new, longer form, click here. The new form itself can be found at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services site.