United States Federal Law requires that every employer who recruits, refers for a fee, or hires an individual for employment must complete, within a given short period of time from hire, an I-9 form which verifies the employee’s identity and authorization to work in this country.
Starting on January 22, 2017, employers must use the revised “smart version” I-9 form for all NEW employees hired after November 6, 1986. This new form was drafted in order to reduce errors and make the process of verification simpler. The new version contains drop down menus that assist in making sure that the form is filled out accurately with minimal errors. Although one can complete the form on a computer, one still will need to print the form, obtain handwritten signatures, store the paperwork, and monitor forms for re-verification.
The new version will hopefully cure past ambiguities in filling out the form and can be accessed/filled out on the United State Citizenship and Immigration Services web page or can be printed out and filled out on paper. Employers must not use the old form any longer as the new version became mandatory on January 22, 2017.
