USCIS Correction: Most Employers Must Complete English Version I-9

Varnum LLP
On March 12, 2013 the USCIS announced the new Form I-9 is available and may be completed in English or Spanish. Today, March 13, 2013, USCIS clarified that Spanish I-9 is available for completion only by Puerto Rico employers.
USCIS incorrectly announced full use during a teleconference but has now clarified onwww.USCIS.gov that the Spanish new form I-9 may not be used by employers (except Puerto Rico employers). Employers may continue to use the Spanish form for reference, but the English version must be completed.

The new Form I-9 is available in English and Spanish. In addition, USCIS has published aHandbook for Employers to provide guidance for completing the new Form I-9.

Employers are required to use the new Form I-9 beginning on May 7, 2013, but it may be used immediately. USCIS will accept prior versions of Form I-9, “(Rev. 08/07/09) Y” and “(Rev. 02/02/09) N”, until May 7, 2013.

Immigration Law Alert – USCIS Extends Form I-9 Validity Period Past Aug. 31, 2012 Expiration Date

On Aug. 13, 2012, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)announced that employers should continue using the current version of the Form I-9 after the form’s expiration date of Aug. 31, 2012. The Form I-9 is the employment verification form designed to help employers verify individuals who are authorized to work in the United States. The current version of the Form I-9 has the expiration date of Aug. 31, 2012 printed in the upper right corner and the revision date of Aug. 7, 2009 printed in the lower right corner.

Previously, on March 27, 2012, USCIS published a proposed revision of the Form I-9 and accepted comments on the proposed form until May 29, 2012. USCIS’s announcement instructing employers to continue to use the current form until further notice indicates that the agency will not publish a final revised Form I-9 before the expiration date of the current Form I-9.

Additional information regarding the new I-9 form will follow as it becomes available.

© 2012 BARNES & THORNBURG LLP