By Sara Zorich – SmithAmundsen LLC – www.salawus.com
On January 31, 2020, the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the release of a new version of the Form I-9, version 10/21/2019. This new version contains only minor changes to the Form I-9 itself and to the Form I-9 instructions.
The one key thing employers must be aware of is that the issuance of the new version of the Form I-9 impacts what version an employer may use going forward. According to the USCIS press release, until April 30, 2020, employers can use either: (1) the new Form I-9, version 10/21/2019 or (2) Form I-9 with a revision date of 07/17/2017 N. On May 1, 2020 employers must use version 10/21/2019 and no other versions of the form will be acceptable for newly completed Form I-9’s as of that date.
The issuance of a new form I-9 DOES NOT mean that employers must redo previously completed Form I-9’s. As stated, this new version will be used on a going-forward-basis no later than May 1, 2020.
The new Form I-9 and related materials can be found here:
- New Form I-9 (10/21/2019 version)
- New Form I-9 Instructions (10/21/2019)
- New Spanish Form I-9 (10/21/2019 Spanish Version available for use only with employees in Puerto Rico)
- New Spanish Form I-9 Instructions (10/21/2019)
- A copy of the most recent Handbook for Employers (M-274) (updated 1/11/18)
Employers should ensure that those responsible at their company for completing the Form I-9 have a copy of the correct version of the form to use with new employees.
If you have questions on this article or other employment law topics, please contact Sara Zorich at 312.894.3265 or szorich@salawus.com. Sara is a contributor to the Labor & Employment Law Update at www.laborandemploymentlawupdate.com