Employers should start using the revised Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 that was released on March 8, 2013.  Beginning May 7, 2013, all employers must only use the revised Form I-9 (revision 03/08/13) for new hires.  Previous versions of the Form I-9 must not be used after May 6, 2013.  All previous versions will no longer be valid.

USCIS designed the new Form I-9 to make it easier for both employees and employers.  The new two-page form has larger print and an enhanced layout.  The instructions were expanded and include helpful examples.  New data fields give employees the option to enter their email address and telephone number.  The new Form I-9 is fillable and includes drop-down lists to assist in reducing errors and promoting consistency in the date, state and country of issuance fields.

A Few Tips for Employers:

• You will find the revision date of the new I-9 in the lower left corner (03/08/13).
• All current employees must have a Form I-9 on file.
• All new employees must be given the entire new Form I-9, including the “List of Acceptable Documents.”
• You should only accept documents that are unexpired when completing an employee’s Form I-9.
• Be sure to keep both pages together. You should consider printing two-sided copies.
• E-Verify users – List B documents must contain a photo, and the Social Security number field must be filled in.

Want More Information?

• Join the thousands who have recently participated in a live, FREE Form I-9 webinar. Additional sessions have been added to meet the demand.
• Visit I-9 Central in English and Spanish for useful information for employers and  employees. You can subscribe to get updates.
• Download the updated Handbook for Employers, Guidance for Completing Form I-9 (M-274).
• Visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify to learn about E-Verify. The site also includes a link to enroll in the service so you can begin electronically checking the employment eligibility of your new hires.

Employers are required to complete Form I-9 for all newly-hired employees to verify their identity and authorization to work in the United States. Visit I-9 Central.