U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) Switches from Red to Blue Secure Ink; Form I-9 Desktop Widget Now Available
USCIS Switches to Blue Secure Ink
Beginning on July 1, 2014, USCIS retired its red secure ink and began using blue secure ink for the following stamps:
- Department of Homeland Security Parole Stamp
- Temporary I-551 Alien Documentary Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) Stamp
- Refugee Stamp (Section 207)
- Asylum Stamp (Section 208)
- Initial/Replacement Form I-94 stamp
Employers reviewing documents presented by employees for purposes of completing Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification should be aware of this change.
Form I-9 Widget Now Available For Download
On September 22, 2014, USCIS made available a new Form I-9 Desktop Widget that can be downloaded onto employers’ desktops (at http://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-desktop-widget-landing-page). With this Widget, employers can launch the Form I-9 more quickly and complete it at any location. USCIS offers this tool to help streamline HR procedures and make the Form more accessible.
However, employers should keep in mind that Section 1 must be completed by the employee. If an employee requires assistance, employer may complete Section 1 on the employee’s behalf but must also complete the Preparer and/or Translator Certification section.
Further, employers are still required to comply with regulations and DHS standards on signing Forms I-9 and storing such forms electronically. For further guidance, consult with an immigration attorney or refer to Form M-274, Handbook for Employers, and 8 Code of Federal Regulations Section 274a.
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