New I-9 Form Released

Employers are required to have I-9 forms on file for all employees, whether they are citizens or not.

By Rob Foote, Roofing Risk Advisors, LLC

On July 17, 2017, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, issued an updated version of Form I-9: Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). Under federal law, every employer that recruits, refers for a fee or hires an individual for employment in the United States must complete a Form I-9.

This is required for citizens and non-citizens. On the form, an employee must attest to his or her employment authorization. The employee must also present his or her employer with acceptable documents evidencing identity and employment authorization. The employer must examine the employment eligibility and identity document(s) an employee presents to determine whether the document(s) reasonably appear to be genuine and to relate to the employee and record the document information on the Form I-9.

The list of acceptable documents can be found on the last page of the form. Employers must retain Form I-9 for a designated period and make it available for inspection by authorized government officers.

The updated form replaces a version that was issued in 2016. Employers may continue using the 2016 form until Sept. 17, 2017. Exclusive use of the updated form is expected by Sept. 18, 2017. The new form expires on Aug. 31, 2019.

ACTION STEPS:

Employers must become familiar with the new Form I-9 and transition to its exclusive use by Sept. 18, 2017.

Employers must continue their compliance with collecting and retaining Form I-9.

Download the I-9 Form Here.

Rob Foote, President of Roofing Risk Advisors a Division of Frank H. Furman, Inc. is deeply experienced Insurance and Risk Management Advisor to the roofing industry, 15-year member of National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), and a director of the Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA). For more information on proven roofing industry risk management strategies, contact the author, Rob Foote at 954-609-0820 or rob@furmaninsurance.com; go to www.roofingriskadvisors.com.