As of January 1, the University of Tennessee is required to “E-Verify” all new employees.
E-Verify is an Internet-based system that allows an employer, using information reported on an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to determine the eligibility of that employee to work in the United States.
To assist with the January implementation, Human Resources has developed websites and training documents at http://humanresources.tennessee.edu/recruitment/. Follow the link to I-9 and E-Verify on the left hand side.
Entry into the E-Verify system will be handled centrally by Human Resources, but departments will still have responsibility to submit I-9 paperwork to HR within three days of a hire.
Several legislative bills were introduced in the Tennessee General Assembly aimed at addressing illegal immigration in Tennessee. The Tennessee Lawful Employment Act passed and requires that employers with six or more employees to E-verify all new employees beginning January 1. Verification must occur within three days of hire for all new employees.
The university has been using the E-Verify process for employees that were paid from a grant or contract with a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause since 2009. New regulations now require the university to perform the function for all new workers.
For additional information or to schedule a departmental training, please call the HR Call Center at 946-8847 or email human resources at systemhr@tennessee.edu.