I-9 Form and Employment Authorization in Texas

How to fill out the I-9 form for employment in Texas?

The I-9 form is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. To complete the I-9 form for employment in Texas, follow the steps below:

1. Gather the required documents. To complete the I-9 form, you must provide documents that prove both your identity and your employment eligibility. Acceptable documents are listed on the back of the form. You must provide one from List A or one from List B and one from List C.

2. Complete Section 1 of the form. In this section, you will provide your name, address, date of birth, social security number (if applicable), and other pertinent information about yourself.

3. Provide your documents to your employer. Your employer will need to inspect your documents and verify that they are valid.

4. Complete Section 2 of the form. Your employer will fill out this section and attest to the fact that they have inspected your documents and found them to be valid.

5. Sign and date the form. You must sign and date the form in order for it to be valid. Your employer should also sign and date the form as well.

Where can I get an I-9 form in Texas for employment purposes?

You can get an I-9 Form from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. You can also download a paper version of the form from the same website.

What documents are acceptable for I-9 verification in Texas?

In Texas, acceptable documents for I-9 verification include a U.S. passport or passport card, a permanent resident card, a driver’s license or state-issued ID card, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a Social Security card, and an unexpired foreign passport with an I-94 form. Employers may also accept documents from the List of Acceptable Documents provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Is there a deadline for completing the I-9 form in Texas when starting a new job?

Yes, employers in Texas are required to complete the I-9 form for all new employees within three business days of their start date.

How often do I need to update the I-9 form for employment in Texas?

Employers must complete a new Form I-9 for each employee hired in Texas within three days of the employee’s first day of employment. The form should be updated when an employee’s work authorization expires or when an employee changes his/her name.

Are there local variations in I-9 document requirements in Texas?

Yes. Employers in Texas may need to present documents to a local office of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a social security office in order to complete the Form I-9 employment eligibility verification process. Additionally, employers must use the current version of the I-9 form and follow additional specific instructions when completing the form in Texas. Finally, employers in certain Texas counties may be required to provide a Spanish version of the I-9 form in order to comply with local laws.

Can I complete the I-9 form online in Texas for remote work?

No, the I-9 form must be completed in person. The form must be signed by the employee and employer in the physical presence of each other.

What is the penalty for not completing the I-9 form in Texas?

In Texas, employers are subject to civil and criminal penalties for failing to properly complete and retain an I-9 form. The minimum fine for a first-time violation can be up to $110, while repeat or more serious violations may result in fines up to $1100. In cases of intentional discrimination, employers could face additional fines of up to $3,000 per occurrence.

Is E-Verify mandatory for employers in Texas during the I-9 process?

No, E-Verify is not mandatory for employers in Texas during the I-9 process. However, some localities, such as Austin and San Antonio, have adopted E-Verify ordinances making it mandatory for employers to use the system.

How to correct errors on the I-9 form in Texas after submission?

Unfortunately, once an I-9 form has been submitted, there is no way to correct any errors that may have been made. Employers who find errors on an I-9 form after it has been submitted must complete and submit a new I-9 form with the correct information. When submitting a new I-9 form, employers in Texas should make sure that the employee signs and dates the form and that the employer also signs and dates the form before submitting it.

Are there I-9 workshops or training programs available in Texas?

Yes, there are I-9 workshops and training programs available in Texas. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) offers several I-9 workshops in various locations throughout the state. Additionally, there are private companies that offer I-9 training, such as Personnel Concepts, which offers both online and in-person workshops.

Can I use a foreign passport for I-9 verification in Texas?

Yes, You can use a foreign passport for I-9 verification in Texas. However, you must also provide additional forms of documentation to verify your identity and employment authorization. Acceptable forms of documentation may include an unexpired foreign passport with an I-94 or I-551 stamp, a resident alien card, or a work permit.

How does the I-9 process work for temporary employees in Texas?

The I-9 process for a temporary employee in Texas is similar to that for all other employees. The employer must complete and retain Form I-9 for each individual they hire for employment in the United States, regardless of citizenship or national origin. The employer must have the employee complete Section 1 of Form I-9 no later than the first day of employment and must examine acceptable documents that establish the employee’s identity and employment eligibility no later than the third business day after the employee begins work for pay. Acceptable documents are identified in Lists A, B, and C on Form I-9, and can be originals or copies. After examining the document(s), the employer must complete Section 2 of Form I-9. Employers may complete Section 2 electronically if they are participating in E-Verify. The employer must retain Form I-9 for all current employees and former employees who were hired after November 6, 1986, for three years after the date of hire, or one year after the date employment ends, whichever is later.

Is there a helpline for I-9-related questions in Texas?

Yes, the Texas Workforce Commission has a helpline dedicated to I-9-related questions. The toll-free number is 1-800-832-9394.

What to do if my work authorization expires in Texas and affects the I-9 form?

If your work authorization will expire before the I-9 form is completed, you should contact your employer and provide them with proof of an extension of your work authorization. If you do not have an extension, you will need to apply for a new work authorization. Your employer will then be able to complete the I-9 form with your new documentation.

Are there I-9 compliance audits for businesses in Texas?

Yes, employers in Texas are subject to I-9 compliance audits by the U.S. government, just like other states. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regularly conducts I-9 audits in Texas to ensure employers are correctly completing and maintaining their I-9 forms, and to detect any potential immigration violations.

How does the I-9 process work for remote employees in Texas?

The I-9 process for remote employees in Texas is the same as for onsite employees. All employers must complete the I-9 form for all new hires, including remote employees. The hiring manager must review the employee’s identity and employment authorization documents in the presence of an authorized representative, or remotely via video conferencing. The employer must then retain the completed and signed I-9 form in their records. They must also provide copies of the employee’s identity and employment authorization documents to the employee, along with Form I-9, and keep these copies as part of their records.

Can I refuse to fill out the I-9 form in Texas for religious reasons?

No, you cannot refuse to fill out an I-9 form in Texas for religious reasons. The I-9 form is used to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired for employment in the United States, and is required by federal law. Additionally, employers are required to complete Form I-9 for all new hires, regardless of their religion, race, or national origin.

What is the role of the HR department in the I-9 process in Texas?

The HR department in Texas plays an important role in the I-9 process. They are responsible for ensuring that new employees complete Form I-9 accurately and on time. The HR department also serves as the point of contact for the employer and USCIS with regard to Form I-9. They must verify and retain all required documents, keep records of I-9s for current employees, and audit I-9s on a regular basis. Additionally, they must provide training to all employees responsible for completing, verifying, and maintaining I-9s.

How does the I-9 process work for seasonal workers in Texas?

The I-9 process for seasonal workers in Texas is the same as for any employee in the state. The employer must obtain and review documentation to verify that the employee is legally authorized to work in the United States. Upon hire, the employer must complete Section 1 of the I-9 form, and the employee must provide valid identity and work authorization documents. The employer must review the documents in person, make copies of both sides of each document, and attach them to the I-9 form. The employer then completes and signs Section 2 of the form. The employee must retain the original documents for future reference. Depending on their hiring policies, employers may also require seasonal employees to complete additional forms or paperwork, such as a W-4 or state withholding forms.