USCIS has released an updated Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, and M-274, Employer Handbook, for employers to verify the identity and work authorization of their new hires. This update brings the Form I-9 into compliance with the September 30, 1997 interim regulation, 'Interim Designation of Acceptable Documents for Employment.' The 1997 interim rule revised the Form I-9 by adding one new document to and removing five of the previously acceptable documents from List A of the List of Acceptable Documents.

The amended Form I-9 (revised June 5, 2007) is available in English and Spanish, but the Spanish version may only be filled out and retained in Puerto Rico. Spanish-speaking individuals in the 50 U.S. states or other U.S. territories may use the Spanish Form I-9 as a translation guide, but must fill out and retain the English version of the Form I-9 to fulfill employment verification requirements.

USCIS recommends that employers use the revised form as soon as possible. Employers who continue to use earlier versions after December 26, 2007 may incur fines and penalties. For more information, or to download the revised Form I-9 and M-274, Handbook for Employers, go to www.uscis.gov, or call 1-800-870-3676. Verify I-9 will provide our clients with updated forms.