How to fill out the I-9 form for employment in Puerto Rico?
1. Ensure you have the most current version of Form I-9.
2. Enter your name and other demographic information.
3. Enter your address in Puerto Rico.
4. Enter your Social Security number, if applicable.
5. Enter the document title and number (if applicable) for each document provided from List A, List B, or List C (found on the last page of the I-9 form).
6. Sign and date the form.
7. Provide your employer with your original documents from List A, B, or C which validate your identity and employment eligibility.
8. Provide your employer with photocopies of all documents provided for review and to keep on file.
9. Have your employer complete the Employer or Authorized Representative Review and Attestation section of the form and sign it.
10. Retain a copy of this form for your own records.
Where can I get an I-9 form in Puerto Rico for employment purposes?
The I-9 form can be obtained online from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. It can also be printed and completed by hand.
What documents are acceptable for I-9 verification in Puerto Rico?
Documents acceptable for Form I-9 verification in Puerto Rico include (but are not limited to):
1. A Puerto Rico driver’s license or ID card.
2. A U.S. passport or passport card.
3. U.S. Social Security card.
4. A Permanent Resident Card or an Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-151 or I-551).
5. A foreign passport with a temporary I-551 stamp on it, or an unexpired Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766).
6. An original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority, or outlying possession of the United States bearing an official seal.
7. An unexpired foreign passport with an unrestricted entry visa that does not require any further action by the Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before employment starts.
8. A Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561).
9. A Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570).
10. An employee’s unexpired, government-issued photo identification card such as a military ID or tribal ID card.
Is there a deadline for completing the I-9 form in Puerto Rico when starting a new job?
Yes. The deadline for completing the I-9 form in Puerto Rico is within 3 business days of beginning employment.
How often do I need to update the I-9 form for employment in Puerto Rico?
Employers in Puerto Rico must update the I-9 form at least every three years.
Are there local variations in I-9 document requirements in Puerto Rico?
Yes, there are local variations in I-9 document requirements in Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, employers must present the employee with a Spanish version of the Form I-9, and the employee must complete, sign, and date Section 1 in Spanish. Employers must also be aware that Puerto Rico requires an additional document for all employees: a photocopy of their Social Security card. Additionally, Puerto Rico has specific requirements related to validating and reverifying documentation for employees hired before January 1, 2009.
Can I complete the I-9 form online in Puerto Rico for remote work?
No, the I-9 form must be completed on paper for remote work in Puerto Rico. An employee must physically present the signed original documents at the time of hire, and employers must physically examine the originals and make photocopies.
What is the penalty for not completing the I-9 form in Puerto Rico?
If an employer fails to properly complete the I-9 form for a newly hired employee in Puerto Rico, the employer may be subject to civil penalties of up to $110 for each violation.
Is E-Verify mandatory for employers in Puerto Rico during the I-9 process?
No, E-Verify is not mandatory for employers in Puerto Rico during the I-9 process. E-Verify is a voluntary program, and Puerto Rico is not currently participating in the program.
How to correct errors on the I-9 form in Puerto Rico after submission?
Unfortunately, errors cannot be corrected on the I-9 form after submission in Puerto Rico. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), any mistakes or inaccuracies must be addressed before submitting the form. This means employers must review the form for accuracy and make any necessary corrections before sending it to USCIS. If errors are found after submission, employers must contact USCIS to request a new I-9 form.
Are there I-9 workshops or training programs available in Puerto Rico?
Yes, there are I-9 workshops and training programs available in Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rican Employers Association (APE) offers I-9 workshops and training programs. For more information, visit their website at www.apepr.org.
Can I use a foreign passport for I-9 verification in Puerto Rico?
Yes, you can use a foreign passport for I-9 verification in Puerto Rico. Additionally, a foreign passport may also be accompanied by an appropriate work visa. Certain documents have been designated as acceptable for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, and they are listed in the I-9 Handbook for Employers.
How does the I-9 process work for temporary employees in Puerto Rico?
The I-9 process for temporary employees in Puerto Rico is largely the same as it is in the U.S. mainland. Employers must complete Form I-9 for every employee hired, regardless of citizenship or national origin. The employee must present acceptable documents such as a Puerto Rican birth certificate, a valid Social Security card, or a valid passport to prove identity and employment authorization. The employer must examine the documents in person and record the document numbers on the I-9 form. The employer must also retain a copy of this form for at least three years after the employee’s last day of work. Once completed, the I-9 form must be kept on file and can be requested by government auditors at any time.
Is there a helpline for I-9-related questions in Puerto Rico?
Yes, there is a helpline for I-9-related questions in Puerto Rico. The helpline number is 1-800-367-5690, and it is staffed by the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What to do if my work authorization expires in Puerto Rico and affects the I-9 form?
If your work authorization expires in Puerto Rico and affects the I-9 form, you should contact your employer and discuss options for extending or renewing your work authorization. You should also contact the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to determine what documentation is required to extend or renew your work authorization. You should also contact your local Department of Labor to learn more about the process and what steps must be taken to continue working legally in Puerto Rico.
Are there I-9 compliance audits for businesses in Puerto Rico?
Yes, businesses in Puerto Rico are subject to I-9 compliance audits by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Employers must maintain accurate and complete I-9 forms for all employees, and they must be available for inspection upon request.
How does the I-9 process work for remote employees in Puerto Rico?
The I-9 process for remote employees in Puerto Rico is the same as it is for any other U.S. employee, with the exception that the Remote Employment Verification Form (I-9) must be completed and signed by the employer and employee in the presence of a Notary Public. The employee must present either unexpired original documents from List A that prove both identity and work authorization, or unexpired original documents from List B and List C that together prove identity and work authorization. Copies of the documents must be retained by the employer as part of the I-9 record. If the employee cannot appear in person before a Notary Public, the notarization can be completed via an acceptable remote notarization method.
Can I refuse to fill out the I-9 form in Puerto Rico for religious reasons?
No. All employers in Puerto Rico are required to complete the I-9 form and they cannot refuse to do so based on religious beliefs. The I-9 form is a federal form and it must be filled out regardless of the individual’s religious beliefs.
What is the role of the HR department in the I-9 process in Puerto Rico?
The HR department plays a key role in the I-9 process in Puerto Rico by ensuring that the paperwork is completed correctly. The HR department must verify each employee’s identity and work authorization documents, complete the I-9 form, properly document any corrections or changes, and retain the form for inspection by government officials if necessary. Additionally, the HR department must ensure that employers comply with all I-9 regulations, including ensuring that all employees receive their I-9 form and complete it within three business days of starting employment.
How does the I-9 process work for seasonal workers in Puerto Rico?
The I-9 process for seasonal workers in Puerto Rico is the same as the process for any other employee in the United States. The employer must complete the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form and document the employee’s identity and authorization to work in the United States. The employee must provide acceptable documents that prove identity and authorization to work. The employer must examine the documents and record information from them on the Form I-9. Once completed, the employer must retain a copy of the I-9 form for their records.
