USCIS Publishes An Updated Form I-9 And Employer Handbook

Originally published November 8, 2007

USCIS announced yesterday that it published a revised and updated version of the Employment Eligibility Verification Form (Form I-9) along with an accompanying revised Handbook for Employers (Manual M-274). Employers and their attorneys have been awaiting this announcement for many years, as these revisions finally make the Form I-9 consistent with USCIS regulations. For the immediate future USCIS will allow employers to use the old Form I-9. Employers are encouraged to transition into utilizing the revised Form I-9 as soon as possible.

Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), every U.S. employer must verify the employment eligibility of its employees upon hire. The verification, which is accomplished through the proper completion of Form I-9, requires the employee to provide basic personal information and to attest as to his or her immigration status. The form also requires the employee to present, and the employer to