Every U.S. employer is required by law to verify the identity and work authorization of their employees—and Form I-9 compliance is a critical part of that responsibility. Failing to properly complete, store, or maintain I-9 forms can expose your business to significant penalties, fines, and even criminal liability.
At Haim Vasquez Immigration Law Firm, we partner with employers across industries to ensure full compliance with immigration employment laws. From initial onboarding to government audits, we help you implement best practices, fix errors, and stay ahead of enforcement.
What Is Form I-9?
Form I-9 is required for every employee hired in the U.S. It must be completed within three business days of the employee’s start date and must verify both identity and eligibility to work.
The form must be:
Accurately completed by both the employer and the employee
Supported by proper documentation (e.g., passports, permanent resident cards, work permits)
Retained for the proper length of time and made available for inspection by government agencies
Our I-9 Compliance Services
We offer a full range of I-9 services tailored to your business needs:
I-9 Compliance Audits
Internal audits to review and correct existing I-9 forms
Identification of errors, omissions, and potential violations
Remediation strategies to reduce liability before government inspections
Training for HR & Hiring Teams
Hands-on training for properly completing, reviewing, and storing I-9 forms
Guidance on re-verification, retention periods, and document acceptance rules
Updates on evolving I-9 policies, including virtual verification and remote hiring
Assistance with Government Investigations
Representation during audits and inspections by:
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Department of Labor (DOL)
Legal strategies to minimize exposure, respond to Notices of Inspection (NOI), and negotiate penalties
E-Verify Registration & Guidance
Assistance registering for and managing compliance through E-Verify
Evaluation of whether E-Verify is right for your business
Best practices for handling tentative nonconfirmations (TNCs)
Policy Development & Ongoing Support
Creation of internal I-9 policies and compliance manuals
On-call legal support for day-to-day I-9 and employment eligibility questions
Periodic compliance reviews to keep your company protected and current
Why I-9 Compliance Matters
Failure to comply with I-9 regulations can result in:
Civil fines ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars per violation
Criminal penalties for knowingly hiring unauthorized workers
Reputational damage and disruption to your workforce
Increased risk of audits if prior violations are found
Being proactive is not only smart, but it’s essential.
Why Partner with Haim Vasquez Immigration Law Firm?
Deep understanding of employment-based immigration and I-9 regulations
Practical solutions tailored for your business size and industry
Bilingual team offering clear communication in English and Spanish
Skilled legal representation during audits and enforcement actions
Commitment to honesty and transparency at every stage of the legal process
Stay compliant. Stay protected.
Contact Haim Vasquez Immigration Law Firm today to schedule a compliance consultation and learn how we can safeguard your business through expert I-9 guidance.
Expert Guidance for Every Immigration Challenge
Whether you're seeking to reunite with loved ones through family-based immigration, defending your rights in immigration court, pursuing humanitarian relief, or facing unique challenges in complex or criminal-related immigration matters—our experienced attorneys are here to fight for your future.