How do I complete the verification process for Form I-9?
To complete your W-2 paperwork and become an employee of Instawork’s affiliate, Advantage Workforce Services, LLC (“AWS”), you need to complete the Form I-9. There are two sections of the Form I-9.
Common causes of rejection include discrepancies in names, incorrect documentation, and missing information. These issues can delay onboarding if not resolved promptly. For example, name discrepancies may include spelling errors (e.g., extra or missing letters), incorrect name order, omitted middle names, or mismatches between submitted IDS and profiles.
When you have already completed Section 1, we will ask you to begin the “Section 2 Authorized Representative review and verification process.”
This is what the Pro app will show when you are ready to begin Section 2 of the Form I-9.
To complete Section 2, you need to ask someone to review your documents and the Form I-9 in person. This person will serve as the authorized representative of AWS. If the verification fails, the Pro app will guide you to address errors by resubmitting corrected information or restarting the process.
Here is how it works:
We will ask you to enter the authorized representative’s mobile number. Once you do this, we will text them a link to complete the process by reviewing your documents and the Form I-9 in person.
Specifically, once they click the link, they will be asked to share their location. At this time, please make sure you and the authorized representative are already together in the same location.
Once we confirm that you and the authorized representative are in the same location, we will ask them to physically examine your documents to make sure they are authentic, they are the same documents that you uploaded into the system, and they match the information in your Form I-9. Please make sure that you have the documents with you for this in-person review.
After completing this review, the authorized representative will electronically sign a document saying that they have reviewed the documents in person and can attest to their authenticity and your work authorization.
Here is the list of acceptable documents that you must present to your chosen authorized representative.
These documents are used to complete Section 2 of the Form I-9 to establish both identity and employment authorization. If you have one of these, you can only show one document:
U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551)
Foreign passport that contains a temporary I-551 stamp
Employment Authorization Document that contains a photograph (Form I-766)
For non-immigrant aliens authorized to work: A foreign passport with Form I-94 or Form I-94A
What should I do if I moved to a new state after starting my W-2 paperwork?
If you moved to a new state after starting your W-2 paperwork, you need to restart the process:
1. Delete or disregard any unfinished paperwork from your previous state
2. Start the W-2 onboarding process again in the app
3. Complete a new Form I-9 with your current address
Updating your address in your profile does not update your work location or tax information. You must complete these steps to fix any account issues related to your move.
What is an authorized representative?
The authorized representative is a person YOU pick. The basic requirements for this person you are picking are: They must be someone you consider trustworthy. Examples include a friend, family member, coworker, neighbor, or a member of your community such as someone from a local library, center, or place of worship.
At least 18 years old
Have a smartphone connected to the internet
Able to meet with you in person to review your documents (such as government issued IDs, passports, etc.) and the information on the Form I-9.
Many Pros have had their documents verified by asking someone like a partner, roommate, neighbor, coworker, or a friend from church, the gym, or a local community group. You could also consider individuals at a library or other local centers in your community.
Who can I pick as the authorized representative?
The person you identify as the authorized representative can be anyone you know as long as they meet the requirements above. Many Pros have had their documents verified by asking someone like a partner, roommate, neighbor, coworker, or a friend from church, the gym, or a local community group.
Can the authorized representative be a family member or friend?
Yes, you can choose a family member, friend, coworker as long as they meet the requirements. Be sure to confirm their willingness to assist you before starting the process.
What should I do if the authorized representative doesn't receive the text message?
Double-check the mobile number you provided. If it's correct and the person still hasn't received the text, ask them to confirm that their device has reception and can receive text messages.
You can also send the authorized representative a text message directly on your phone after you have first inputted their phone number in the Pro app.
This is what it looks like in the Pro app. Please tap on the button “Send Text Message”
What if I need to change the authorized representative?
You can choose a different person directly on your phone in the authorized representative section of the I-9.
This is what it looks like in the Pro app. Please tap “Click here if you need to choose a different person and start over.”
What does the text message say?
The message will say “[Pro’s name] requests you to review their work documents. Click the link to proceed.”
Can the authorized representative complete the verification remotely via video call or pictures?
No. The authorized representative must physically inspect your original documents in person.
Why do I have to enable location sharing?
Location sharing is required to confirm that you and your authorized representative are in the same place. Please ensure your authorized representative enables location sharing in their phone settings.
Does the authorized representative have to provide any personal documents or identification themselves?
No. The authorized representative is only required to review your documents. They are not required to share any of their own documents or identification.
What documents does my authorized representative need to check?
Your authorized representative must physically inspect the same documents you uploaded in support of your Form I-9. Please make sure to bring the original documents with you when you meet with the authorized representative. The representative will follow prompts on their smartphone to verify your location and confirm document authenticity during the inspection.
How long will it take for the authorized representative to complete their part of Section 2?
The process typically takes only a few minutes. Your authorized representative can verify your documents and sign electronically through their smartphone.
How long do I have to wait to start booking W-2 shifts after the authorized representative verifies my documents?
You should be able to book W-2 shifts within a few minutes. However, if your submission is flagged for admin review, track your W-2 Application Status in the app for updates or required actions.
What if I no longer have physical copies of the documents?
If you no longer have physical copies of your uploaded documents, please contact Pro support via your app to restart the process. Be sure to double-check that all resubmitted information matches your legal documents, using clear scans of identification to avoid errors. Consider working with your authorized representative to resolve issues such as mismatched names or incomplete I-9 details to ensure a smooth resubmission process. If you don’t have anyone available, you can ask a Notary Public or reach out to your local community (e.g., library or center) for assistance. Note that Instawork staff cannot serve as authorized representatives due to legal restrictions.