How should businesses verify employee eligibility to work?

Verifying Employee Eligibility to Work in Alaska

Businesses operating in Alaska must ensure all employees are legally authorized to work in the United States. Proper verification helps maintain compliance with federal regulations and avoid penalties.

Operational Steps for Employee Eligibility Verification

• Use Form I-9 for Every New Hire: Complete the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 for each employee hired after November 6, 1986. This form collects identity and employment authorization documents.
• Review Acceptable Documents: Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, permanent resident card, driver’s license with Social Security card, or other documents listed on the I-9 form. Employees must present original documents.
• Complete Section 2 Promptly: Employers must complete Section 2 of Form I-9 within three business days of the employee’s start date, physically examining the documents to confirm authenticity.
• Use E-Verify When Applicable: While not mandatory for most Alaska businesses, participating in E-Verify can automate verification by electronically matching employee information against government records.

Additional Operational Considerations

• Maintain Records: Keep completed I-9 forms on file for at least three years after the date of hire or one year after employment ends, whichever is later.
• Train HR Staff: Ensure staff responsible for hiring understand the verification process and document requirements to avoid errors.
• Stay Updated on Compliance: As of 2026, monitor any changes in federal or state regulations affecting employee eligibility verification.
• Integrate Verification into Onboarding: Incorporate eligibility checks into your hiring workflow to streamline compliance and reduce administrative delays.