Martin, Browne, Hull & Harper pll
Martin, Browne, Hull & Harper pll

USCIS releases corrected I-9 form

USCIS RELEASES CORRECTED I-9 FORM, PLUS COMING CHANGES TO WORK AUTHORIZATION CARDS

In January of this year we notified our clients that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a new I-9 form in an electronic fillable format.

Unfortunately, there was a glitch in the fillable form that caused social security numbers to display improperly when the form was printed.  For example, the number 123-45-6789 entered into the Social Security number field would appear as 123-34-6789 in the printed form.  USCIS has repaired the glitch and reposted the form on its website.  You may download the corrected version of the form here.

Employers who used the I-9 form released earlier this year should audit the printed I-9 forms to ensure that all employee information is displayed accurately.  Any errors should be corrected by doing the following:

  1. Have the employee strike out the incorrect information and enter the correct data (e.g. Social Security number);
  2. Both the employee as well as employer representative should initial and date the changes;
  3. The employer should prepare a brief written statement as to why the correction was made and attach this to the Form I-9.

Corrected forms do not need to be sent to USCIS, but should be kept on hand in case of a future audit.

In addition to news about the I-9 forms, USCIS also announced changes to its Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”) and the Employment Authorization Document (“EAD”).  Beginning May 1, 2017 these cards will display the individual’s photo on both sides; have embedded holographic images and color palettes to help prevent forgery and tampering; and will no longer display the individual’s signature. 

Employers may accept both versions of the Green Cards and EAD documents for employment verification purposes.  All cards will continue to be valid through the expiration date shown on the card.  In addition, USCIS announced that it will continue to issue the old style documents until the new version is completely phased in.

This post is not intended as a substitute for professional legal advice, nor does it constitute an attorney-client relationship.  If you have any questions about this information, please contact an attorney at Martin, Browne, Hull & Harper, P.L.L. at 937-324-5541.