After delays of several months, the new I-9 has been released by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS).
While a grace period of 60 days until May 7, 2013, has been granted to transition to the new form, the USCIS has recommended that Employers begin using the new form immediately for all new hires going forward. It is not necessary to use the new I-9 form for prior new hires who already have a completed form on file.
The form includes several changes to the layout and content that make the form easier to use:
- Expanded Instructions. While the expanded instructions must be made available to the employee when completing the form, the employer is only required to retain pages 7 and 8 of the I-9, in which the Employee and Employer complete Sections 1 and 2.
- Sections 1 and 2 Separated. Sections 1 and 2 have been divided into two separate pages, making it more obvious that the Employee completes Section 1 and the Employer completes Section 2.
- Deadlines Clarified. The Employee must complete Section 1 no later than the first day of employment, while the Employer/Authorized Rep must complete Section 2 within three business days.
- Maiden Name Changed. The box in Section 1 for the Maiden Name has been changed to Other Names Used. If no other names were used, the Employee writes N/A.
- Additional Contact Info. Section 1 gives the Employee the option to add his or her email and phone number. This information is optional.
- Acceptable Documents Clarified. In Section 2, List A is separated more from List B and C. The Employer views one document from List A, or documents from List B and C.
For assistance in completing the I-9, please read the form’s instructions, refer to USCISs M-274 Handbook for Employers, or contact your HR or Payroll Consultant at Nextep.
