I-9 and E-Verify Compliance; Do You Really Need a Consultant

When considering your E-Verify and Form I 9 compliance issues do you REALLY need a consultant to help you?  Well, it depends.

Some of you are definite “do-it-yourselfers” and want to save money by handling the I-9 and E-Verify process on your own.  For small businesses with less than 10 employees, that is probably an okay decision.  As long as you are well informed, stay up-to-date, and are diligent in following the law your risk is fairly small.  Even if you are audited by ICE and fined the maximum amount for I-9 violations, as long as you haven’t hired any unauthorized workers you will probably be able to withstand the financial burden.

On the other hand, a small company that hires a consultant to review their current I 9 documentation processes, audit and repair existing I-9 forms, develop a company compliance plan and train key personnel, will be making a small investment to insure they are compliant going forward.  I think this is a GREAT investment and will protect you in case of an ICE worksite inspection.

For companies with more than 10 employees I highly recommend you consider hiring an I-9 expert.  The financial risk of an ICE Form I-9 audit makes it necessary to be CERTAIN the I-9 and E-Verify processes are being completed to the letter of the law.  Most HR personnel are not fully trained in E-Verify and Form I-9 compliance and make mistakes that result in expensive violations.

Too many companies believe they are fully compliant when the reality is over 80% of all companies will suffer major fines and penalties if they are visited by ICE agents.  The cost of hiring a professional I-9 and E-Verify consultant is small  compared to the risk of devastating fines and the negative publicity that goes along with an ICE inspection.

I-9 Okay offers expert affordable Form I-9 and E-Verify consulting and training.  Learn how your company can quickly and easily become fully compliant with the employee eligibility verification process and E-Verify.