How employers can prepare for I-9 audits

Employers across the United States are legally required to ensure their workforce is authorized to work in the country. Form I-9, officially known as the employment eligibility verification form, is a critical part of this process. Properly completing Form I-9 for every employee—and securely storing and retaining these records—is essential. If you are contacted regarding an I-9 audit, staying calm and understanding the process can help protect your organization. This article will explain how to respond to a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) I-9 audit, how to prepare through internal audits, and how to properly correct any I-9 mistakes discovered along the way.

Understanding the I-9 audit process

When an employer faces an I-9 audit, it usually begins with a notice of inspection (NOI). This is an official notification stating that U.S. government officials will be reviewing the employer’s I-9 forms.

The NOI typically requires the following information: