E-VERIFY PROGRAM began September 8, 2009
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT NEW HIRE PAPERWORK

E-VERIFY PROGRAM began September 8, 2009
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT NEW HIRE PAPERWORK

The requirement that the Research Foundation use the on-line federal E-verify program to check the eligibility of employees to work in the US began September 8, 2009. In addition to doing a paper I-9 Form to establish work authorization for every new employee, the Foundation now must go on-line to establish that the identification documents used were valid.

Significant fines and the potential for debarment as a federal contractor are consequences for violations of rules governing the mandatory E-Verify program. Principal Investigators and other hiring authorities will be held responsible for any fines or monetary penalties due to violation of federal work authorization or E-Verify regulations if the violations result from their failure to follow established Research Foundation employment policies and procedures, such as allowing someone to work prior to completing new hire paperwork. Any such fines or penalties will be allocated to investigator or department discretionary accounts.

PI's and hiring authorities are reminded that PRIOR to starting work, all new employees must complete new hire paperwork including INS Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9), Federal (W-4) and State (VA-4) tax forms, as well as any other required paperwork. New employee starting dates on 108 Payroll Authorization forms of more than three days before the I-9 and E-verify process are completed can lead to fines in excess of $1,000 per incidence. Work to be paid through the Research Foundation is not authorized until these documents are completed at the Research Foundation or, for internationals, the International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSS).

Upon completion of the I-9 form and other required new hire paperwork by the new employee, the Research Foundation will verify documents submitted to establish work authorization through the on-line E-Verification process. It is anticipated that this new requirement to participate in E-Verify will slow down the process for all new hires whether international, permanent resident or U.S. citizen. We appreciate your patience.