The USCIS is currently waiting for the approval for the continued use of the current version of the I-9 Form from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) .   While the request is pending the current version (Rev. 2/02/09) is still valid.

Employers must complete an I-9 Form for all newly hired employees to verify their identity and authorization to work in the United States. The revised form went into effect April 3, 2009 and updates the types of acceptable identity and employment authorization documents employers can accept from new hires effective April 3, 2009 including new provisions that employees cannot use expired identification documents to verify their work eligibility beginning April 3, 2009.

Staying on top of your I-9 Forms is important as the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched a bold, new audit initiative.  ICE will be inspecting employers’ I-9s and hiring records to determine whether or not they are complying with employment eligibility verification laws and regulations.   This new initiative illustrates ICE’s increased focus on holding employers accountable for their hiring practices and efforts to ensure a legal workforce.  Inspections are one of the most powerful tools the federal government has to enforce employment and immigration laws.

For additional resources on the I-9 Form review the USCIS Handbook for Employers for Completing Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Form).  For more information on USCIS and its programs, visit www.uscis.gov.