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Immigration

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     In today's global economy, human resource managers and supervisors must be familiar with immigration issues in order to attract and retain key personnel. Companies also need to ensure compliance with the employment verification process (I-9 Forms) and non-discrimination requirements of the law.

Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form)

     The law prohibits employers from knowingly hiring or knowingly continuing to employ an unauthorized worker. Employers are required to take steps to ensure that employees are authorized to work in the United States. The primary step is for employers to complete an I-9 Form and inspect an employee's documents that establish identity and work eligibility. An employer can be liable for failing to comply with the employment eligibility verification requirements.

     I-9 Forms must be completed for each employee hired after Nov. 6, 1986. Section 1 of the I-9 Form, which is completed by the employee, must be fully completed and signed on the day the employee begins work. Even though the employee completes Section 1, the employer can be liable for any violations or omissions, so it is important for the employer to check it

     The employer must review original verification documents presented by the employee and complete Section 2 of the I-9 form within the first three days of hire (if the person is hired for 3 days or less, however, the entire form must be completed at the time the employee begins work).

      For additional information on the employment eligibility verification process, click on the following topics:

Temporary and Permanent Visas for Employees

     Employers also need to be familiar with U.S. immigration laws if they wish to hire foreign citizens to work in the United States. Multinational employers may wish to transfer employees from offices abroad to work in the United States; U.S. employers may wish to hire foreign students or other foreign nationals with particular skills. There are a variety of temporary (nonimmigrant) and permanent (immigrant) employment-based visa options.

      For more information on temporary and permanent visas for employees, click on the following topics: