I-9 FORMS - Expired?  Valid?

If you are confused as to whether the "new" I-9 forms expired this June 30th, join the club.  Back in February 2009 the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) updated the I-9 form which was supposed to go into effect on February 2, 2009 only to delay the use until April (remember that?).  They went into effect in April 2009 but the DHS kept the same revision date of "02/02/09 at the bottom-with the expiration date of "06/30/09" shown in the upper right hand side of the document. 

So now the quandary - are they going to release "new" new I-9 forms?  A definite MAYBE! The expiration date only means that the DHS is out-of-compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act.  Employers should be using and continue to use the form that shows the expiration date of "06/30/09"   and they should continue using this latest version until the DHS issues a new one. Keep checking PMP's e-mails for updates. We will inform you of any updates as soon as we know.

Remember, with the issuance of the new I-9 form also came changes in what is and is not acceptable proof from column A and B.  Review this listing to be sure you are only accepting currently valid documentation.  To download the most recent copy of the I-9 form click here.

 It is also important to note that if your company is currently using E-Verify, this does not replace the I-9 form, but rather adds additional responsibilities for employers enrolled in the program.   Congress has recently created the Monitoring and Compliance (M&C) Branch of the Verification Division to ensure DHS to better monitor employers using the E-Verify system.

PMP has been conducting I-9 audits for companies and has found errors that could potentially be very expensive to the company as a result of fines levied by various government entities (DOL, OFCCP, etc) during random audits.  Now is an excellent time to have an I-9 audit - an inexpensive review that could save your company thousands of dollars.