Starting today, April 3, 2009, employers must start using the new I-9 Form. Here’s a checklist to help remind you what needs to be done in light of this change.

Don't forget to recycle your old I-9 Forms!

 Checklist for 4/3/09:

 

 

checkmark Open file drawer, pull out blank I-9s, throw them away (preferably, recycle).

checkmark Visit our bLAWg or the USCIS website and print copies of the newest version of the form.  Make sure the form has a revision date of 2/2/09 on the bottom right-hand corner.

checkmarkRead the updated I-9 instructions and review the updated Lists of Acceptable Documents.  Note that all documents used to complete the I-9 now must be valid and unexpired on the day the form is completed.

checkmark Print and review a copy of the newly revised “Handbook for Employers” (M-274).  The Handbook provides detailed I-9 instructions and goes into much greater detail than the short directions that are part of the I-9 form.  The Handbook can be found on our blog and the USCIS website.

checkmark Avoid hand cramps and stop wasting ink.  According to the updated Handbook, “You may use abbreviations for commonly used documents, e.g. DL for driver’s license and SS for Social Security.”

checkmark Pat yourself on the back for staying up-to-date with the latest changes.  Having good I-9 policies and practices in place helps to protect you and your company.  For more information regarding the I-9 services offered by GoffWilson, please e-mail jwilson@goffwilson.com.

 

In addition to this checklist, please check out these other bLAWg posts (if you have not done so already) for more detailed information on the new I-9 Form:

·         3.23.09  bLAWg Post, “Hand cramps be gone! On April 3, 2009 “SSA” is okay!”

·         12.15.08  bLAWg Post, “New Form I-9 Coming Soon!”