On July 17, 2017, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) released an updated version of the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. This updated version will replace the most recent form from late January of this year. Employers will have the option to use the updated form (Rev. 07/17/17 N) or continue using the previous Form I-9 (Rev. 11/14/2016 N) during a 60 day grace period, until September 17, 2017. Beginning September 18, 2017, employers will be required to use the updated form for the initial employment verification of all new hires, as well as any applicable employment re-verifications.
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The Effects of President Trump’s Immigration Executive Order
On January 27, 2017, President Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) entitled “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States.” Among other things, the EO attempted to implement a travel ban whereby individuals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen would be prohibited from entering the United States. Immediately, nationals from the named countries faced extraordinary hardship in entering the U.S. Individuals with valid non-immigrant visas, such as F-1 student visas, H-1B work visas and other individuals with valid visas were affected. Green card holders (immigrant visa holders) were also affected. These non-immigrants and immigrants are individuals who live in the United States, have family, jobs, homes, or other ties to the U.S., and who have gone through the lengthy and rigorous immigration process to obtain valid visas to enter the U.S. The EO extended to effect refugees who had been vetted by the U.S. government and granted refugee status by the U.S. to escape persecution.
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New Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) Released
A new Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) was released on November 14, 2016. Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), employers are required to verify the employment eligibility and identity of new employees by reviewing documents provided by the employee (such as passports, visas, licenses, etc.) and completing the Form I-9.
It’s H-1B Visa Application Season
The H-1B visa is one of the most popular work visas in the United States, but is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain due to a shortage. Applications for H-1B visas are accepted on April 1 of each year, so now is the time for businesses to start the planning process.
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I-9 Form revised as of March 8, 2013
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a revised Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 for use on March 8, 2013. Form I-9 is used for verifying the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. All U.S. employers must ensure proper completion of Form I-9 for each individual they