07/29/10
USCIS Announces Today the New I-9 Form (Employment Eligibility Verification)
Today USCIS announced its release of a new version of Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) and instructions for completing the new form (M-274, Handbook for Employers, Instructions for Completing the Form I-9). The revised I-9 Form eliminates five documents as proof of both identity and employment eligibility. The eliminated documents are: Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-570); Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570); the old Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-151); the Reentry Permit (Form I-327); and the Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571).
Beginning on November 7, 2009, the new I-9 form should be completed for all new employees. Up to December 26, 2007, DHS will not seek penalties against an employer for completing an older version of form I-9.
It is important to note that employers are not required to complete the new form I-9 for its existing employees, unless required to re-verify the employee’s authorization to work.