August 9th, 2017 | Debbie Lamb, Sterling Talent Solutions

More Updates for Form I-9

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently published a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. The new version of Form I-9, v. 07/17/17 N, will expire on August 31, 2019. All U.S. employers must transition to the new version of Form I-9 no later than September 17, 2017. The updated form can be downloaded directly from I-9 Central. The USCIS understands that it takes time to transition to a new version of Form I-9. As an employer, you may continue to use the previous version of Form I-9, v. 11/14/2016 N, through September 17, 2017. However, by Sept. 18th, you must use the new revised form as all previous versions of Form I-9 (such as version 11/14/2016 N) will be invalid.

Changes for the Newest Version Form I-9

The July 2017 changes on the new form are minor compared to the major updates that went into effect earlier this year based on the November 2016 version.

  1. The Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) has been added to List C. Employers completing Form I-9 on a computer will be able to select Form FS-240 from the drop-down menus available in List C of Sections 2 and 3. E-Verify users will also be able to select Form FS-240 when creating a case for an employee who has presented this document for Form I-9.
  2. All of the certifications of report of birth issued by the Department of State (Form FS-545, Form DS-1350, and Form FS-240) have been combined into selection C #2 in List C.
  3. All List C documents have been renumbered except the Social Security card. For example, the employment authorization document issued by the Department of Homeland Security on List C changed from List C #8 to List C #7.
  4. The name of the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC) has been changed to Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) within the form instructions.
  5. “The end of” form the phrase “the first day of employment” has been removed from the instructions.

The changes have been reflected in an updated version of the Handbook for Employers (M-274). Sterling’s I-9 electronic I-9 solution will support the newest version of Form I-9 by Sept. 17, 2017.

What is Form I-9?

Form I-9 is used to establish both identity and employment authorization for individuals (citizens and non-citizens) hired for employment in the United States. All employers must accurately complete and retain Form I-9, the employment eligibility verification form, for every person hired for employment on or after November 6, 1986 in the United States. The form can be completed electronically or on paper.

Benefits of an Integrated Form I-9/E-Verify Solution

Sterling offers an integrated Form I-9/E-Verify solution and storage services. The platform is an easy-to-use, self-service paperless solution that supports the updated Form I-9 for new hires, rehires, and re-verifications. It works with a simple interface which guides the user throughout each step of the form completion process and has a seamless integration with E-Verify. The tool sends reminders for expiring work authorizations, Social Security numbers and document receipts. Most importantly, the solution is mobile-friendly, secure and promotes employer compliance with USCIS regulations.

When it comes to your Form I-9 needs Sterling is here to help. To find out best practices that still apply for Form I-9, you can listen to our OnDemand webinar from earlier this year, Revised Form I-9: Are You Ready for January 22 at any time. The webinar covered how to avoid common mistakes when completing a Form I-9, form requirements, information for form storage and retention and examples of Form I-9 non-compliance that have resulted in significant fines.

Sterling is not a law firm. This publication is for informational purposes only and nothing contained in it should be construed as legal advice. We expressly disclaim any warranty or responsibility for damages arising out this information. We encourage you to consult with legal counsel regarding your specific needs. We do not undertake any duty to update previously posted materials.