The 2021 I-9 Forms refer to the latest version of the Employment Eligibility Verification forms developed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These forms are essential documents used by employers to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired to work in the United States. The I-9 Form is mandated by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), which requires employers to complete this verification process for every new employee.
Employers are required to use the most recent version of the I-9 Form, as published by USCIS. The 2021 version of the I-9 Form was released to replace the previous edition and includes updated instructions for both employers and employees. It is crucial for employers to stay up-to-date with the latest version of the I-9 Form to ensure compliance with federal law.
The 2021 I-9 Forms consist of three sections and require both the employer and employee to provide specific information. Let’s explore each section in greater detail:
Section 1: Employee Information and Attestation
In this section, the employee is required to provide their full legal name, address, date of birth, social security number (SSN), immigration status, and other categorization details, if applicable. The employee must also attest to their eligibility to work in the United States by signing and dating the form.
Section 2: Employer Review and Documentation
The employer is responsible for examining the employee’s original documents that establish their identity and work authorization. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or a combination of specific documents listed in the form’s instructions. The employer must record the document titles, document numbers, and expiration dates, if applicable, in this section.
Section 3: Reverification and Rehires
This section is used when an employee’s work authorization document expires. If an employee is rehired within three years of the initial date provided on the I-9 Form, the employer may complete Section 3 instead of completing a new Form I-9.
Completing the 2021 I-9 Forms accurately and in a timely manner is crucial to avoid legal complications. Employers must ensure that all sections of the form are completed by both the employee and employer within three business days of the employee’s first day of work. Failure to comply with the I-9 requirements can lead to severe penalties, including fines and potential legal actions.
It is important to note that the 2021 I-9 Forms should be retained for a specific period. Employers must retain completed I-9 Forms for either three years after the date of hire or for one year after the employee’s employment ends, whichever is later. It is recommended to establish a well-organized record-keeping system that facilitates easy retrieval and compliance with document retention requirements.
In conclusion, the 2021 I-9 Forms are a critical tool for employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired to work in the United States. By adhering to the instructions provided in the form and staying updated with the latest version released by USCIS, employers can demonstrate compliance with federal laws governing employment eligibility verification.
