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Form I-9 Verification for Remote Hires: How Authorized Representatives Work
When an employee works remotely, completing Form I-9 can require a little extra coordination. Employers may designate an authorized representative to meet with the employee, review acceptable identity and work-authorization documents, and complete the employer-directed document review and verification process.
What Is an Authorized Representative?
An authorized representative is a person designated by the employer to act on the employer’s behalf during the Form I-9 document review process.
The representative examines the employee’s original acceptable documents in person, records the required information, and completes the employer-directed portion of Form I-9 according to the employer’s instructions.
Why Employers Use Authorized Representatives for Remote Hires
Remote employees may live too far from the employer’s office for an in-person document review.
In these situations, an employer may choose a local authorized representative to help complete the verification process without requiring the employee to travel to company headquarters.
This can be especially helpful for employers hiring across multiple locations or states.
What the Authorized Representative Does
During the appointment, the authorized representative typically:
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Reviews the employee’s acceptable documents as directed by the employer and in accordance with the employer's Form I-9 process
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Confirms the documents reasonably appear genuine and relate to the employee presenting them
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Completes the required Form I-9 fields as directed by the employer
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Returns the completed documentation according to the employer’s process
The authorized representative follows the employer’s instructions for the verification process and does not make hiring or employment-eligibility decisions on the employer’s behalf.
Employer Responsibilities
An authorized representative acts on the employer’s behalf for the document review portion of Form I-9.
The employer’s own policies and procedures continue to guide how the verification is handled, documented, and retained.
What Employees Should Bring
Employees should bring the original acceptable documents required for Form I-9 verification, along with any instructions provided by the employer.
Employees should follow the employer’s document guidance rather than bringing photocopies unless specifically instructed otherwise.
How Attest Collective Supports Remote I-9 Verification
Attest Collective provides in-person authorized representative services for remote hires throughout Central New Jersey.
We meet with the employee, review the required original documents, complete the employer-directed verification steps, and return the completed documentation according to the employer’s instructions.
Need help coordinating an I-9 appointment?