U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released a newly revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. Employers may continue to use the old version dated February 8, 2013 through January 21, 2017. On Jan 22, 2017, all employers must use the newly revised form. The new Form I-9 includes a number of changes to the wording and formatting, as well as a few modifications. Some of the changes include, and not limited to:
- Additional employee data fields
- Foreign passport information
- Telephone
- Email address
- Revised instructions
- A preparer and/or translator must complete a certification about their assistance.
- Clarification that the employee is required to list only “other last names used” rather than “other names used.” The employee will need to provide ALL other last names used, if any (e.g., maiden name). The employee should enter N/A if they have not had any other last name.
- A new box where the employer may provide additional information, if necessary
- No boxes should be left blank. If the employee left any “blank” boxes, please ask them to review or enter “N/A.”
The USCIS offers E-Verify, which is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, to the data from the US Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility. This service is free to employers. More information on this verification system and enrollment can be found by visiting: https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify
