How should businesses verify employee eligibility to work?

Verifying Employee Eligibility to Work in Colorado

Businesses in Colorado must verify that all new hires are legally authorized to work in the United States. This process ensures compliance with federal and state regulations and helps avoid penalties.

Operational Steps for Employee Eligibility Verification

• Complete Form I-9: Employers must have each new employee complete the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, no later than the first day of employment.
• Examine Acceptable Documents: Review original documents presented by the employee that establish identity and employment authorization. Acceptable documents are listed on the Form I-9.
• Retain Form I-9: Keep completed Form I-9s on file for all employees 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): Colorado businesses can voluntarily use the E-Verify system to electronically confirm employment eligibility. This helps automate verification and reduce errors.

Additional Operational Considerations

• Training HR Staff: Train hiring managers and HR personnel on proper Form I-9 completion and document review to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Recordkeeping: Maintain organized records of employee eligibility verification as part of your overall compliance and audit readiness strategy.
• Employee Classification: Verify eligibility before classifying workers as employees or independent contractors to avoid misclassification risks.
• State Compliance: Stay updated on any Colorado-specific employment eligibility requirements or updates as of 2026.