The Federal government has recently released a new I-9 Form. The old one “technically” expired on August 31, 2012, but they didn’t release a new form until just a couple weeks ago.

First, the bad news… The layout is now two pages and looks quite a bit different than the older versions that we’ve become familiar with over the years. Chances are, you’ll need to spend some extra time getting comfortable with the new format.  Also, technically we no longer have three days from the new employee’s date of hire to get the I-9 form filled out… it’s now supposed to be filled out on the newly-hired employee’s first day.

The good news… We do have sixty days (as of March 8) to continue using the old I-9 form. Starting on May 7, 2013, we will have to begin using the new form.

For more information regarding this recent update, please read the press release from the USCIS webpage.

For what it’s worth, I have not had the chance to read through the new instructions for the new I-9 Form yet, but I will be digging into it soon and will also be meeting with my attorney sometime in the near future so that I can help my customers navigate this new paperwork.

However, since I’m NOT an attorney (and I don’t play one on TV), I’m afraid I will not be able to answer any of your questions regarding the new I-9 documentation at this time.  Also, please know that nothing in this e-mail is intended to be legal advice and it should not be construed as such (my lawyer makes me say that too).

For more information, please contact the USCIS website, this handbook, and/or your attorney.