New Handbook on Form I-9 Completion Effective April 3, 2009
Posted Mar 27, 2009
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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently released a new version of the Handbook for Employers: Instructions for Completing Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification Form (PDF 3.46MB). This handbook is now available online. It is important to note that the new handbook should be used starting April 3, 2009. Employers must understand and comply with the I-9 requirements, as there are substantial penalties for violations, as explained in the handbook.
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New Form I-9 Takes Effect April 3, 2009
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Regular MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers were alerted to the USCIS's delay in the implementation of the new Form I-9 in our February 6, 2009 article, available on MurthyDotCom. The new handbook has been released for employers to use when completing the new I-9.
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Major Change in I-9 Verifications
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One major change in Form I-9 verification pertains to new rules imposed on documents that have expiration dates. In the past, documents such as U.S. passports could be used for I-9 verification, even if expired. As of April 3, 2009, the rules regarding expired documents have changed.
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Conclusion
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Employers will be required to use the revised Form I-9 for all new hires and to re-verify any employees with expiring employment authorization beginning on April 3, 2009. The Murthy Law Firm will continue to track changes to I-9 requirements and will update MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers on anything significant.