Payroll Guides

Automating Form I-9 Verification: A Guide for HR Tech, Payroll, and Onboarding Providers

Download the full guide

Form I-9 compliance is one of the biggest hidden risks for employers today. Rising penalties, remote work challenges, and audit pressures expose organizations to costly errors. This guide reveals how HR, payroll, and onboarding platforms can turn compliance into a growth opportunity by embedding I-9 automation. Backed by survey insights from 300 HR leaders, you’ll learn why 99% of employers are ready for automation—and how platforms that deliver it gain stickier adoption, reduce risk, and become indispensable compliance partners.

I-9 Verification by the Stats: The Pain and the Opportunity

3 in 4 employers lack full automation. Donut chart showing that three in four employers lack full automation, with 61% partially automated, 13% entirely manual, and 26% fully automated.
Section 2 is the biggest bottleneck. Bar chart showing that Section 2 in-person review is the biggest bottleneck at 46%, followed by error corrections and re-submissions at 41%, E-Verify submissions at 39%, and Section 1 completion at 29%.
99% are ready for automation. Donut chart showing that 99% are ready for automation, with 68% saying they would adopt an embedded automated tool, 31% open to learning more, and 1% saying it’s not a priority.

What You’ll Learn

  • The real cost of I-9 mistakes

  • How to eliminate Section 2 delays

  • Compliance strategies for remote and hybrid hires

  • Error-proofing that reduces rework

  • Why 99% of employers are ready for automation

  • Build vs. Buy: the smarter path forward

  • How to future-proof compliance at scale

Trusted by HR tech platforms, payroll providers & large employers
ADPNamelyDeelGustoParadoxToyotaPaychex
Wave

"We quickly realized no one stacks up next to Symmetry. It didn’t take us long to validate and document that."

Emily Spence, manager of payroll compliance at Wave
Salsa

"I think on the points where we were stuck, Symmetry was very helpful in providing us their resources — people who have done this millions of times who could tell us that we’re doing this the right way, or that there’s an easier way of doing this other thing."

John Kramer, co-founder and CEO at Salsa
Today is a great day to make Symmetry a part of your payroll tax compliance and growth strategy.
  1. Resources
  2. Automating Form I-9 Verification: A Guide for HR Tech, Payroll, and Onboarding Providers