Beginning May 7, 2013, all employers must begin using the new Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9, with a revision date of March 8, 2013. [The revision date is noted in the bottom left corner of the form.] Employers who fail to use this new form beginning on May 7, 2013, may be subject to penalties; thus, it is important that employers make the switch right away. The substance of the form remains largely unchanged, although there are some new data fields that have been added, including the employee's foreign passport information (if applicable), and telephone and email addresses. The layout of the form has been modified so that it is now two pages instead of one. The new form also improves and clarifies instructions. The new form, as well as detailed instructions, can be found on the the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

The deadlines for completion of the form remain the same. The employee must complete Section 1 by the first day of employment, and the employer must complete Section 2 within three business days of the employee's commencement of employment.

To avoid penalties or other consequences, be sure that your new-employee materials are up to date and in compliance with all local and federal regulations.

If you have any questions on this or any other employment topic, please contact any Employment Law attorney at Winthrop & Weinstine.