On Monday, July 17, 2017, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new Form I-9 and accompanying instructions. The new form replaces the Form I-9 issued on November 14, 2016 and becomes mandatory for all employers on September 18, 2017.
Employers should note that the fillable portions of the new form have not changed. Rather, the new form differs from the last version in regards to page 3, List C, setting forth documents that establish employment authorization. The new form has added “Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240)” as an additional acceptable document under List C. All List C documents were thereafter renumbered except for the Social Security Card.
The form instructions have also changed the name of the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices (“OSC”) to the “Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER).” This agency investigates and prosecutes unfair documentary practices and retaliation that may occur during the I-9 completion process. The agency renamed itself to avoid confusion with another federal government agency.
Employers should complete Form I-9 following the same rules and timelines as before. For answers to additional questions, or to schedule an I-9 training with one of our immigration experts, please contact the Mitzel Group.
