How should businesses verify employee eligibility to work?

Verifying Employee Eligibility to Work in Nebraska

Businesses operating in Nebraska must verify that all employees are legally authorized to work in the United States. This process is essential for compliance and avoiding penalties.

Step 1: Complete Form I-9

• Obtain Form I-9: Use the current version of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-9 for each new hire.
• Employee Completes Section 1: The employee must fill out Section 1 on or before their first day of work.
• Employer Reviews Documents: Within three business days of the employee’s start date, the employer must examine original documents that establish identity and employment authorization.
• Complete Section 2: The employer fills out Section 2, recording the document information and attesting to the employee’s eligibility.

Step 2: Use E-Verify (Optional but Recommended)

As of 2026, Nebraska does not require mandatory use of E-Verify, but many businesses use this federal system to electronically confirm employment eligibility.

• Register with E-Verify: Enroll your business online to access the system.
• Submit Employee Information: Enter data from Form I-9 to verify the employee’s status.
• Follow Up on Tentative Nonconfirmations: If the system flags an employee, provide the opportunity to resolve issues promptly.

Operational Considerations

• Recordkeeping: Retain completed Form I-9s for all employees for at least three years after the hire date or one year after termination, whichever is later.
• Compliance: Regularly audit your I-9 forms and E-Verify processes to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Training: Train HR and hiring managers on proper document inspection and I-9 completion.
• Integration: Consider automating I-9 management and E-Verify submissions using HR software to reduce errors and save time.