Employers must start using the new version of the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form by April 30, 2020. Changes reflected in the new version are miniscule; nevertheless, employers must switch to the new form by this date to avoid potential fines.
The new form bears the version date of 10/21/2019 in the lower left corner and can be found on the USCIS website at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9 in both printable and fillable versions.
To enforce I-9 requirements, the Department of Homeland Security in recent years has substantially increased its I-9 audits of employers. To avoid potential fines, employers must correctly complete and retain an I-9 form to verify the employment eligibility of each new hire within three days of the new hire’s start date. Even seemingly minor errors in completing the I-9 form can result in substantial fines. We encourage employers to periodically audit their completed I-9 forms to ensure compliance and to reach out to our team if you need assistance in doing so.
For more information regarding I-9 compliance, including internal audits, please contact Warner attorneys Angela Jenkins or Michael Wooley.