USCIS Issues New Mandatory I-9 Form

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published the newest version of the I-9 Form July 17. Use of the updated form is mandatory starting Sept. 18, 2017.

Until then, employers will still be able to use the older version of the form with a revision date of Nov. 14, 2016; the new form’s revision date is July 17, 2017.

Updates to the new form include:

• Changes to instructions and list of acceptable documents, making it easier to navigate
• List C documents are renumbered, excluding the social security card
• Online users have access to a new Consular Report of Birth Abroad Form FS-240 drop-down menu
• E-verify users can select Form FS-240 for employees who have presented this document for eligibility verification
• All birth certificates issued by the state will be compiled into selection C#2 on List C

The agency recommends using the updated form as soon as possible. If you do not use the correct form by Sept. 18, 2017, your company may face the following:

• Civil fines
• Criminal penalties (when there is a pattern or practice of violations)
• Debarment from government contracts
• A court order requiring the payment of back pay to the discriminated individual
• A court order requiring the employer to hire the discriminated individual