How should businesses verify employee eligibility to work?

Verifying Employee Eligibility to Work in Arkansas

Businesses in Arkansas must ensure that all new hires are legally authorized to work in the United States. Proper verification helps maintain compliance with federal and state employment regulations.

Steps for Employee Eligibility Verification

• Complete Form I-9: All employers must have new employees fill out the federal Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, within three business days of hire. This form verifies identity and employment authorization.
• Examine Documents: Review acceptable documents from the Lists of Acceptable Documents provided with Form I-9 to confirm the employee’s identity and work authorization.
• Retain Form I-9: Keep completed Form I-9s on file for at least three years after the date of hire or one year after employment ends, whichever is later.
• Use E-Verify (Optional but Recommended): Arkansas employers can voluntarily participate in E-Verify, an online system that compares information from Form I-9 to government records for quick eligibility confirmation.

Operational Considerations

• Training HR Staff: Ensure hiring managers or HR personnel understand how to properly complete and review Form I-9 to avoid errors that can lead to penalties.
• Recordkeeping Compliance: Maintain secure and organized records of Form I-9s and related documentation for potential audits.
• Employee Classification: Verify eligibility for all types of workers, including full-time, part-time, and contractors, to ensure proper payroll and tax compliance.
• Automation Tools: Consider using HR software to streamline Form I-9 completion and retention, reducing manual errors and improving compliance tracking.

As of 2026, following these steps helps Arkansas businesses meet federal employment verification requirements efficiently while supporting lawful hiring practices.