I-9 Originals vs Photocopies

earlearl · July 2001

We are a national consulting firm. When our employees are hired it is done by phone only. We never actually physically meet any of our staff. I-9's are received by fax with copies of the appropriate verification.

Are original forms needed in file? What about the verification, are originals needed are can we accept photocopies?

If photocopies are not acceptable are there any other suggestions? Getting the originals from employees and mailing back to them?

Dianna · August 2001

Does the employee himself/herself send you the copies? Or do you have someone that meets with these people when they are hired? If so, have that person fill out the I-9 information and fax that to you. That way, they have seen the originals and signed off as such.

Earendil · August 2001

I went to an INS I-9 seminar several years ago, sponsored by our local SHRM chapter. The INS agent who presented the seminar made it very clear that someone in the hiring chain (i.e., HR or the hiring supervisor) had to physically verify the authenticity of the documents provided: That is to say, had to actually see (and touch) the originals.

For example, did you ever notice the columns on either side of the front of your Social Security card are raised? That's why the admonition on the reverse (of later cards; not mine) to not laminate the cards. We were also provided a very detailed, full-color pamphlet showing different types of "green cards" (none of which are green, by the way).

So to answer your question: Photocopies are fine for the I-9 and the verification documents--as long as they were made by you (or someone in your company with the authority to verify their legitimacy).

~Steve~

I-9 Originals vs Photocopies

Comments