Procedure: Employment Authorization
Date Adopted: 01/01/90
Last Revision: 04/15/02
References:
Immigration Reform and Control Act, 1986
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 bars employers from hiring persons not authorized to work
in the United States and establishes certain civil and criminal penalties for those employers who violate the
law. The law also creates a mandatory employment verification system applicable to all new hires for
establishing the employee’s true identity and eligibility to be employed in the United States.
University hiring authorities are required to complete the Form I-9 immediately upon hiring. “Hire” is defined
as the “actual commencement of employment of an employee for wages or other remuneration.” The hiring
authority is permitted to complete the Form I-9 either at the time a person accepts an offer of employment or
at the time the employee actually begins working.
No employee is allowed to begin work at The University of Montana - Missoula without following the required
employment eligibility verification procedures. Social security numbers starting with “9" are invalid numbers.
Employees using such numbers must obtain a proper social security number by using Form SS-5, available at
the Social Security Office.