Staying on top of employment law changes can be difficult. On March 8, 2013, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published the Revised Employment Eligibility Verification Form, which is a new I-9 Form. Employers must use new I-9 forms by May 7, 2013, or they face penalties. Unless you are required to re-verify an employee, you do not have to complete new I-9 forms for current employees. You can download the new forms at I-9 Central.
Businesses sometimes have confusions about the differences between I-9 Forms and E-verify. I-9 forms have the purpose of helping employers verify employee’s identities and employment authorizations. E-Verify is the internet based system set up by the USCIS that cross references government records to confirm an employee’s authorization to work in the United States. The I-9 form is the nucleus of the E-verify system because it provides data so E-Verify can operate. However, E-verify is still a voluntary system for employers whereas submitting I-9 forms is mandatory. Other differences are that Form I-9 does not require submitting an employee’s Social Security number (SSN) whereas E-Verify requires submitting an SSN. Form I-9 does not require a photo on identity documents and E-Verify does.
At Hans & Associates, our New York employment defense lawyers work with business owners to help them stay current with employment law changes and compliance requirements. We can help you comply with new changes and avoid penalties. In the long run, having an effective employment defense law firm to provide you with legal guidance can save you considerable business expenses.