If you are an employer planning to add to your workforce, you need to know about the recent change regarding Form I-9, the Employment Eligibility Verification form. Form I-9 is compulsory for all employers to confirm every newly hired employee’s identity and that they are authorized to work in the United States.
On November 14, 2016, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a revised version of the form, which includes modernization and technologically-friendly features that will simplify the verification and submission process.
Beginning January 22, 2017, all employers must use the revised Form I-9 and may only continue using the current Form I-9 (with a revision date of 03/08/2013 N.) through January 21. After that date, the old form is deemed invalid.
Additional reading: 6 Things to Keep in Mind if You Receive a Notice from the IRS
It is important that businesses understand that the new Form I-9 applies to all hires made after January 21. Current employees do not have to fill out the updated form, nor do employers need to amend employee files, if an I-9 is already on file.
Employers have a duty and responsibility to ensure the legal hiring of employees. The penalties for noncompliance and immigration-related employment discrimination can be severe, ranging from steep monetary fines that can climb into the tens of thousands of dollars, to criminal violations that include fines and prison time.
If you are an employer with questions regarding Form I-9, or an individual seeking new employment in the coming weeks, and want to ensure you are completing the proper paperwork, contact us. We are ready to start the conversation to help you succeed in business.
