DHS Publishes Interim Final Rule Amending Form I-9
Effective February 2, 2009, all employers are required to use the new mandatory Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.
DHS is amending its regulations governing the types of acceptable identity and employment authorization documents and receipts that employees may present to their employers for completion of the Form I-9. Under this interim rule, employers will no longer be able to accept expired documents to verify employment eligibility on the Form I-9. This rule also adds a new document to the list of acceptable documents that establish both identity and employment eligibility and makes several technical corrections and updates. The purpose of this rule is to improve the integrity of the employment verification process so that individuals who are unauthorized to work are prevented from obtaining employment in the United States.
The new form will be available for download from the USCIS website by February 2, 2009. Please note that the 06/05/07 version may only be used BEFORE February 2, 2009. The 02/02/09 version will be appropriate for use ON or AFTER February 2, 2009.