The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently released a revised Form I-9 and employers should begin using it right away.
Form I-9 must be completed by all employers to confirm the identity of newly-hired employees and verify the employee’s eligibility to work in the United States. The revised Form I-9 has expanded from one to two pages, contains new information fields for an employee’s telephone number and e-mail address, has a new layout, and includes more detailed instructions. The enhanced instructions include added detail on completing the form, the required timetable and acceptable documents.
Although the USCIS asked employers to start using the new Form I-9 immediately, it provided a grace period during which the expired Form I-9 can be used. The grace period expires May 7, 2013. After this date, employers who do not use the revised Form I-9 may be subject to penalties. The new Form I-9 is available on the USCIS website at http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-9.pdf.
Employers are not required to complete the new Form I-9 for current employees with a properly completed Form I-9 on file, unless re-verification applies.
Carrie Roelle, a member of the KDDK Labor and Employment Law Practice Team and the Litigation and Trial Services Practice Team, defends employers before state and federal courts, as well as various administrative agencies in matters involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, interference, and retaliation. In addition to litigation, she participates in counseling employers on employment issues they face each day, including wage and hour compliance, disability issues, workplace policies, and litigation avoidance.
If you have questions regarding the revised Form I-9 or any issue related to Labor and Employment Law, please contact Carrie at (812) 423-3183 or CRoelle@KDDK.com, or contact any member of the KDDK Labor and Employment Law Practice Team.
