I-9 Employment Verification Forms Get an Overhaul

In November of 2007, the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) issued a new I-9 Employment Eligibility Form. The new form took effect immediately, but there was a 30 day grace period for employers. The form is meant to be used for new employees and re-authorization of employees only.

As of December 26, 2007, the new I-9 will be required. Employers who do not use the new form may be penalized under section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Penalties range from $110 – 1100 per individual.

What has changed in the new form? The most significant change has to do with “Column A” documents and which ones are acceptable forms of documentation. Several previously accepted documents are now omitted - Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-570); Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570); the Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-151); the Reentry Permit (Form I-327); and the Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571). These documents were too easily prone to fraud and tampering. Unexpired I-766 forms, which are employment authorization forms, were added to the list.

An important note: a new form should not be completed for existing employees unless their employment authorization expires. Employees who have previously provided proper documentation remain in compliance under the current law.

Please consult these sources for further information on this important change in the I-9 Employment Eligibility Form:

Access the new I-9 Form

Access the new employer's I-9 handbook

Sources consulted for this article:

1. “New I-9 Issued” Labor and Employment Law Blog h
   Accessed: 12-26-07
   
2. “Transitioning to the new I-9 form by December 26, 2007”
   Labor and Employment Law Blog
   Accessed: 12-26-07
   
3. “Introduction of the Amended Form I-9 and the New Handbook
   for Employers” The Federal Register
   Accessed: 12-26-07