Corporate America knows that maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory requirements is critical (legally and for public relations). Among the essential documents for businesses engaging in corporate services or B2B transactions is the I-9 form, a vital piece of the hiring process designed to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals in the United States. When providing services to large corporate clients, smaller service companies often find themselves subject to a third-party I-9 audit and review required by their customers. In this blog post, we’ll delve into corporate customer I-9 audits, exploring best practices for navigating them while preserving strong client relationships. In our experience, companies such as Publix, Target and Waste Management require their B2B suppliers and service vendors complete third-party audits for compliance.

Corporate customer I-9 audits occur when businesses that provide services to other companies are required to undergo an audit of their I-9 records by their corporate clients. These audits are typically initiated to ensure that the vendors or service providers are compliant with immigration laws and regulations, thus mitigating risks and liabilities for the corporate clients. Audits are done by an independent third-party, experienced with I9 form completion.

Best practices for navigating corporate customer I9 audits:

1. Preparedness: Review your supplier contract and proactively maintain accurate and up-to-date I-9 records to streamline the audit process. Conduct regular internal audits to identify and address any deficiencies before they are discovered by a third-party audit. Select a qualified and experienced auditor, if your company retains these services.
2. Open Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with corporate clients regarding their mandated audit process, including timelines, required documentation, and any questions. Address customer requests promptly to foster trust and collaboration.
3. Data Security Measures: Implement data security measures to protect employee information during the audit process. Utilize secure file-sharing platforms and safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized access or breaches.
4. Compliance Assistance: Seek assistance from experts or compliance professionals specializing in immigration law to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
5. Continuous Improvement: Use the audit process as an opportunity for continuous improvement. Identify areas for improving I-9 compliance practices and implement new measures to minimize technical errors.
6. Post-Audit Follow-Up: Following the completion of the audit, conduct a thorough review of findings and recommendations. Address deficiencies and correct errors to improve your compliance standings.

By following these best practices, your company can successfully navigate the audit process effectively while preserving strong client relationships. Strengthening your compliance with I-9 requirements will mitigate the legal risks to your company, as well as your corporate customers. A commitment to legal and ethical business practices will also build your ability to win more business and create strong lasting relationships with your customers. Consultstu performs independent third-party I9 audits for companies in the United States.