Introduction
Ensuring immigration compliance is a key responsibility of U.S. employers. All U.S. companies hiring foreign nationals have certain responsibilities under immigration law, and employers violating the law may be subject to civil fines and/or criminal penalties.
The most common categories of U.S. Family visas are listed below:
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I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification »
Employers must have a completed Form I-9 on file for all employees hired after November 6, 1989. Additionally, employers must verify each employee’s identity and that he or she is authorized to work in the U.S. Federal regulations are clear that an employer cannot knowingly hire anyone who is not authorized to work in the U.S.
The VisaPro Immigration Law Firm provides employers with a full suite of services aimed at assisting them with Form I-9 compliance requirements. Our services include training employers in proper preparation and maintenance of Form I-9 records and developing a comprehensive set of policies and guidelines for the employee verification process. We also provide periodic audits of your employee records and compliance procedures to identify problems and make corrections.
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Worksite Enforcement »
The VisaPro Immigration Law Office not only provides employers with comprehensive and ongoing training for employees who normally conduct the I-9 verification process, but we also conduct audits of employee records and compliance procedures to identify problems and recommend corrections. VisaPro works with employers in developing strategies, policies and guidelines for the employee verification process in order to ensure that a Worksite Visit from the Department of Labor or Immigration and Customs Enforcement goes smoothly.
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E-Verify »
E-Verify is an automated system that allows enrolled employers to verify the employment authorization of their new employees. E-verify can check the immigration status or employment authorization of an employee when the employer inputs information normally found on the Form I-9.
Enrollment in E-Verify is NOT mandatory for all employers but is currently mandatory for most federal government contractors. It is also required for any employer who seeks to employ an F-1 visa holder who is working pursuant to the 17 or 24 month extension of their optional practical training (OPT).
Contact VisaPro to discuss whether or not registering for E-Verify is right for your company. VisaPro immigration attorneys also assist employers with completing the online enrollment process and understanding their responsibilities under the system.
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Immigration Compliance During Corporate Changes »
In the event of a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring, US companies face a myriad of unique issues and changes. This is true in the context of immigration issues as well. Question may arise, for example, as to the need for notifying USCIS or the Department of Labor regarding the changes as it applies to its employees. I-9 Compliance files may need to be audited, reviewed, merged or expunged. It is important that employers contact VisaPro BEFORE a merger, acquisition or restructuring takes place so that our attorneys can advise you on what needs to be done in order to remain in compliance with both Department of Labor and USCIS, both during and after the changes occur.
