Use of Updated Form I-9 is Now Required

By M. Edward Taylor

In a notice issued March 7, 2013, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced that employers should begin using a revised version of the I-9 employment eligibility verification form immediately.

In the notice, USCIS said employers should start using the new I-9 form with the revision date of “(Rev. 03/08/13) N” beginning on March 8, 2013. However, the agency recognized that some employers may need additional time to update their business processes, especially those using electronic I-9 forms. The older version of the I-9 will be accepted up to 60 days after the date the notice is published (the current form can thus be used until May 7, 2013).

Please note that the revised I-9 does not need to be completed for existing employees who already have an I-9 on file, unless their employment eligibility needs to be re-verified. Re-verifying existing employees’ employment eligibility when not necessary could violate the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The new form can be accessed at: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-9.pdf
The attorneys at Sebris Busto James are available to assist you with any questions you may have regarding I-9 requirements.

 

This Employer Alert is written to inform our clients and friends of developments in labor and employment relations law. It is not intended nor should it be used as a substitute for specific legal advice or opinions since legal counsel may be given only in response to inquiries regarding particular factual situations. For more information on this subject, please call Sebris Busto James at (425) 454-4233. © 2013 SEBRIS BUSTO JAMES