I-9 Compliance

Employment Eligibility Verification

I-9 Compliance

Every employer in the United States is required by federal law to verify the identity and
employment authorization of each person they hire. This obligation is fulfilled through the
completion of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. The requirement applies to all
employers, regardless of size, and to all employees hired after November 6, 1986,
regardless of citizenship status.

While the concept is straightforward, the execution is not. The I-9 verification process
involves specific timing requirements, document acceptance rules, anti-discrimination
provisions, and recordkeeping obligations that create real compliance risks for employers
who do not have clear procedures in place.

At Massa Viana Law, we help employers understand and meet their I-9 obligations. Our
services include staff training, internal audits, corrective action planning, and guidance on
responding to government enforcement activity.

Understanding the I-9 Requirement

For each new hire, the employee must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 on or before the first
day of work, and the employer must complete Section 2 within three business days of the
start date. The employee presents documents from the List of Acceptable Documents to
establish both identity and employment authorization and employers may not request
specific documents or additional documentation beyond what is required.

Common I-9 Compliance Mistakes

Even well-intentioned employers frequently make errors. The most common mistakes
include failing to complete the form within the required timeframe, requesting specific
documents rather than allowing the employee to choose, asking for more documents than
required, failing to reverify when temporary work authorization expires, not properly
completing or signing all sections, and retaining forms for an incorrect period of time.

Government Enforcement and Notices of Inspection

Immigration and Customs Enforcement may issue a Notice of Inspection requiring an
employer to produce all I-9 forms and supporting records for review within three business
days. Penalties can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per violation. In
cases involving patterns of violations or knowing employment of individuals not authorized
to work, consequences can be substantially greater. USCIS may also conduct a separate
unannounced site visits.

How We Help Employers

I-9 Training

We provide practical training sessions for human resources staff and hiring managers
covering proper form completion, document acceptance rules, anti-discrimination
provisions, reverification procedures, and recordkeeping best practices.

Internal I-9 Audits

We conduct thorough reviews of an employer’s existing I-9 forms to identify errors,
omissions, and areas of non-compliance, followed by a corrective action plan.

Corrective Action and Remediation

When errors are identified, we guide employers through proper correction procedures, including how to document corrections, handle reverifications, and address situations involving workers whose authorization has expired.

Responding to Notices of Inspection

If your organization receives a Notice of Inspection from ICE, we assist with organizing and
reviewing required documentation, identifying deficiencies, and representing the employer
in communications with the inspecting agency.

Schedule a Consultation

If your organization needs assistance with I-9 compliance, whether through training, an internal audit, or guidance on responding to an enforcement action, we are here to help. Contact our offices in Southborough, MA, or Providence, RI, to schedule a consultation.

Real Stories

Hear directly from those who have already obtained a green card or citizenship with us

Massa Viana Law, is the “absolute best legal team” we could have chosen to represent us through our immigration process. We were guided through the entire case, by professional and caring experts. Mr. Viana and the entire staff were most impressive, knowledgeable and friendly. The staff always made us feel at ease at every step of the way. We could not have asked for better service!

Donald Metivier

My wife and I had no idea what to do with her visa process, and Dr. Antonio and team helped us through everything. He clearly cares a lot about his clients and it shows in his effort and results. We couldn’t ask for a better lawyer and partner on our legal journey.

Charles Offenbacher

Great lawyers, great office and great experience. They care about you and they work around the clock to make sure that nothing is left to chance. There’s always somebody on the phone and the communication is always on point. They guide you step by step along the way. You’re in good hands if you go with Antonio’s team. I would definitely recommend them.

Alex Langkos

With a very professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate approach, Antonio Viana helped me with my immigration needs. By being always assuring and available to answer my questions, which can be an issue for most lawyers, he has made a huge difference to the stressful process. I highly recommend his services!.

Debora Marques

As a young couple, the thought of navigating the immigration process seemed really duanting and impossible at times. Massa Viana Law made it possible. Massa Viana Law provided exceptional service and support throughout the entire immigration process. We appreciate their professionalism, kindness, passion, and experience in helping us. We highly reccomended Massa Viana Law!

Brenna McGillion

Antonio Massa Viana and his team were handling my immigration process very professional and I had my Greencard in record time. Highly recommended!

Manfred Burkart

Antonio helped us navigate a very stressful process. We could not be more pleased with our experience. Professional, courteous, supremely organized.. and a true gentleman from start to finish. Thank you!, thank you!, thank you! Antonio..

Tim Fitts

They are very professional and effective team for every case; also Antonio Massa put all the effort in each client… I highly recommended.

Ana Maria Linares

Tive uma experiência muito gratificante com o dr:Antônio. Um profissional muito atencioso, que demonstra interesse no caso do cliente e com uma equipe profissional excepcional. Dr: Antônio e sua equipe estão de parabéns.

Jessica Vidal

Sr. Antonio Massa Vianna e toda sua equipe são nota 1000. Profissionais super qualificados atenciosos e prestativos . Muito obrigado a ajudar a minha família a obter sucesso em nosso caso. Desejo cada vez mais sucesso a todos vocês . Recomendo para meus amigos e todos aqueles que desejam ter sucesso em seu caso. Agende um horário e comprove.

Narbal Alves Junior

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Employers must retain Form I-9 for three years after the date of hire or one year after the date employment ends, whichever is later.

No. The requirement applies to all employees equally. Applying it selectively could constitute discrimination, which carries its own penalties.

Errors should be corrected following USCIS procedures. Do not use correction fluid or create replacement forms.
Penalties vary by severity. Technical violations may result in fines starting at several hundred dollars per form. Substantive violations, knowing hire violations, and patterns of non-compliance carry significantly higher penalties. Criminal penalties may apply in serious cases.

If you still have questions, contact us now by clicking the button
“I still have questions”

Still have doubts?

Talk to us now

I still have questions

Embrace Your American Dream with Our Immigration Support

We will put you on a path to a Green Card

Our immigration lawyers will be honored to guide you through the immigration maze, leading you in every step of the immigration process.

I am interested