USCIS Published a New Version of the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification and also Revised the Handbook for Employers for Completing the Form I-9

(Vol. XXIII, no. 04, March 14, 2013, Issue No. 1)

On March 8, 2013, USCIS published a new Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. The form is available for immediate use by employers. Employers who need to make necessary updates to their business processes to allow for use of the new Form I-9 may continue to use other previously accepted revisions (Rev.02/02/09)N and (Rev. 08/07/09)Y until May 7, 2013. After May 7, 2013, all employers must use the revised Form I-9 for each new employee hired in the United States. The revised Form I-9 has several new features, including new fields and a new format to reduce errors. The instructions to the form also more clearly describe the information employees and employers must provide in each section. English and Spanish versions of the new form are available online at www.uscis.gov and I-9 Central.

On March 11, 2013, USCIS also revised the handbook for employers, “Handbook for Employers, Guidance for Completing the Form I-9 (M-274)”. This handbook has been updated to include information about the revised Form I-9. The name of the Handbook has also changed slightly.  The word “Guidance” has replaced “Instructions”, helpful new images have been added to illustrate how employees and employers can complete Section 1-3 of the new form, and it provides updated guidance on recording changes of name and other identity information.