WI SHRM 2016 State Conference
This presentation provided an overview of work authorization compliance, primarily focused on Form I-9 obligations including refresher information on Form I-9 completion, anti-discrimination protections, goodfaith compliance and other defenses, retention requirements, self-audits, electronic I-9 vendor section and recent trends in government audits and compliance reviews.
Takeaways include:
- Identifying common errors when completing Form I-9, including addressing SSN or name discrepancies, reviewing and documenting identity and work authorization documents, meeting timing obligations, and performing due diligence.
- Identifying benefits/risks and implement best practices regarding self-audits and correcting improperly completed Forms I-9.
- Understanding government’s current enforcement focus and recent audit trends.
Mónica Santa Maria is an associate in the Labor, Employment & Immigration Practice Group in the firm's Madison office, focusing her practice on strategies and compliance for hiring international personnel. Mónica works closely with businesses seeking temporary work authorization for foreign national workers through H-1B, L-1, TN and O-1 nonimmigrant status, advises both businesses and individuals on the various processes available for obtaining immigrant status (legal permanent residence), and on collateral issues affecting foreign nationals such as obtaining a Social Security Number or Driver’s license.
Mónica's recent experience includes: Counseling employers on the PERM Labor Certification process; Preparing employment-based and family-based immigrant petitions and applications for legal permanent residence; Preparing petitions for nonimmigrant status; Counseling employers on Form I-9 compliance, including assisting in I-9 audits; Counseling employers on E-Verify; Counseling employers on hiring-related discrimination issues; Responding to Department of Labor PERM audits, responding to Citizenship & Immigration Services Requests for Evidence, and appealing benefit denials.