New Form I-9 and New Handbook for Employers Available

On March 8, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) made available the much anticipated new Form I-9, which is available on their website. The new form has a revision date of “03/08/13”. While employers may begin using the new form to document new hire eligibility immediately, older forms with a revision date of “02/02/09” and “08/07/09” may be used through May 7.  The new form is officially nine pages, though six pages are instructions.

In addition, on March 11, the USCIS released a revised M-274, Handbook for Employers, also available on the USCIS web site.  Staff responsible for employee verification should carefully review the new I-9 form as well as the new Handbook for Employers before altering existing work processes.

Western Growers will continue to provide guidance on the new Form I-9 as information becomes available.