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W-2 Paperwork: Form I-9 Verification

Updated over 2 weeks ago

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.

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.

If you do not see the above referenced message, please refer to this guide on the W-2 paperwork process.

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.

Here is how it works:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

What is an authorized representative?

The authorized representative is a person YOU pick. The basic requirements for this person you are picking are:

  • 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.

Who can I pick as the authorized representative?

The person you identify as the authorized representative can be anyone you know, but the person must also meet the requirements of:

  • 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.

Can the authorized representative be a family member or friend?

Yes, you can choose a family member, friend, coworker, or any person who is at least 18 years old, has a smartphone, and can meet you in person to review your documents and Form I-9.

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.

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.

What if I no longer have physical copies of the documents?

If you no longer have physical copies of the documents you uploaded, please contact Pro support through your app to restart your W-2 paperwork.

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