New I-9 Form Required – Do’s & Don’ts

Employers must begin using the new I-9 by May 7, 2013! Key revisions to the I-9 include additional data fields, more detailed instructions, and edits to the layout of the form which is now two pages.

The requirement to use the updated I-9 provides employers with an opportunity to review their practices for completing and retaining the form. The following are some do’s and don’ts for completing and retaining the I-9 form:

• DO Use the most recent version of the form
• DON’T Complete an I-9 for independent contractors
• DO Complete Section 1by the end of the employee’s first day
• DON’T Mandate Voluntary Data Elements
• DO Complete Section 2 within 3 business days
• DON’T Specify Documents topresent
• DO Review the documents with the employee present
• DON’T Accept copied or expired documents
• DO Stay consistent with photocopies
• DON’T Complete Spanish version (unless in Puerto Rico)
• DO Keep the form on file for the minimum period
• DON’T Forget the I-9 is always required
• DO Re-verify when necessary
• DO Maintain a separate I-9 file

If you want further details on any of these do’s & dont’s, or just have a general question, contact us and we’ll shoot you more information.