How should businesses verify employee eligibility to work?

Verifying Employee Eligibility to Work in Connecticut

Businesses in Connecticut must verify that all new employees are legally authorized to work in the United States. This process is essential for compliance with federal and state regulations and helps avoid penalties.

Steps to Verify Employee Eligibility

• Complete Form I-9: Employers must have each new hire complete the Employment Eligibility Verification form (Form I-9) within three business days of the employee’s start date.
• Review Documents: Collect and examine original documents from the employee that establish identity and employment authorization. Acceptable documents are listed on the Form I-9.
• Retain Form I-9: Keep the completed Form I-9 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): Connecticut employers can voluntarily use the federal E-Verify system to electronically confirm employee eligibility. This can improve compliance and streamline verification.

Operational Considerations

• Training: Train HR and hiring managers on proper Form I-9 completion and document review to avoid errors.
• Recordkeeping: Maintain secure and organized I-9 records to facilitate audits and inspections.
• Non-Discrimination: Apply verification procedures uniformly to all employees regardless of citizenship or national origin to maintain compliance with anti-discrimination laws.
• Automation: Consider using HR software that integrates Form I-9 management and E-Verify to reduce administrative burden.

As of 2026, staying current with federal updates on employment eligibility verification will help Connecticut businesses maintain compliance and support smooth hiring operations.