On March 8, 2013, USCIS released the much anticipated new two-page Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification Form. The form was updated to address the common issues associated with the previous one-page form. The good news is that USCIS has taken many of the concerns of the public in mind with the updated Form I-9. It has simplified various aspects of the form and has provided more guidance in the Instructions and in the Handbook for Employers. However, the Form I-9 will likely continue to cause confusion and frustration. Additionally, completing the form correctly is as important as ever with the increasing number of Form I-9 audits, as discussed in Peggy McCormick’s earlier blog post and her article published in the March 2012 issue of The Federal Lawyer.
It remains to be seen whether this new form will adequately address all of the issues associated with the previous form or create additional issues not contemplated previously. Until then, employers should take some basic precautions:
The following are some of the more significant changes to the Form:
Additionally, employers should keep the following in mind:
Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan, P.C., advises employers in formulating and reviewing Form I-9 policies and procedures, conducting internal Form I-9 audits, and responding to government Form I-9 investigations. Our office can be reached at 312-427-6163 or through our contact page.
The material contained in this alert does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only. An attorney-client relationship is not presumed or intended by receipt or review of this presentation. The information provided should never replace informed counsel when specific immigration-related guidance is needed.
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