How should businesses verify employee eligibility to work?

Verifying Employee Eligibility to Work in Wyoming

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

Steps to Verify Employee Eligibility

• Complete Form I-9: Employers must have each new hire complete the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, no later than the first day of employment. This form confirms the employee’s identity and work authorization.
• Review Acceptable Documents: Employees must present original documents from the Lists of Acceptable Documents specified on the Form I-9. Employers should examine these documents carefully to confirm they appear genuine and relate to the employee.
• Use E-Verify (Optional but Recommended): Wyoming employers can voluntarily enroll in the federal E-Verify program to electronically confirm employee eligibility. While not mandatory statewide, using E-Verify reduces risk and streamlines compliance.
• Retain Form I-9 Records: Employers must retain completed Form I-9s for all employees for at least three years after the date of hire or one year after employment ends, whichever is later. Proper recordkeeping is critical for audits and inspections.

Operational Considerations

• Integrate Verification into Hiring Workflow: Automate or standardize the Form I-9 process within your onboarding system to avoid delays and errors.
• Train HR and Hiring Staff: Ensure personnel responsible for hiring understand how to properly complete and review Form I-9 and recognize acceptable documents.
• Coordinate with Payroll: Accurate eligibility verification supports correct payroll processing and tax withholding compliance.
• Monitor Regulatory Updates: As of 2026, stay informed on federal and Wyoming-specific changes to employment verification requirements to maintain compliance.