[author: Lori T. Chesser]

The United States Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) announced today that the current I-9 form will continue in effect past the expiration date noted on the form.

The text of the announcement follows:

"Until further notice, employers should continue using the Form I-9 currently available on the forms section of http://www.uscis.gov. This form should continue to be used even after the OMB control number expiration date of August 31, 2012 has passed. USCIS will provide updated information about the new version of the Form I-9 as it becomes available.

Employers must complete Form I-9 for all newly-hired employees to verify their identity and authorization to work in the United States."

As always, beware of services offering to sell you the newest I-9 form (they are free!).

Also consider an I-9 internal audit as a way to determine if you are compliance. Government audits are on the rise and we find that a simple internal audit (where an attorney reviews a percentage of the I-9s and trains on any deficiencies) can help bring a company into compliance and avoid or reduce potential fines later.