Why pay for something you can get free? That’s a question employers need to ask in connection with solicitations they are receiving for a new version of the federal I-9 form. Despite being available free, a variety of firms are trying to sell it to businesses.
In late December, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services began requiring employers to use a new version of the I-9 form. For a number of years, all employers have been required to fill out the form to verify that new employees are eligible to be employed in the United States. The new version modifies the list of documents an employer may accept in completing the form.
Using what might be termed creative marketing, a variety of mail and e-mail solicitations are being sent to employers nationwide offering to sell the new form because it is now mandatory. Yet both the I-9 form and a related handbook with instructions are available for free download at www.uscis.gov. Simply look under “Employer Information” or go to “Immigration Forms” on that site and look for “I-9.” Alternatively, employers can order fee copies of the forms by calling the USCIS at 1-800-870-3676.
DEHS employment law attorneys can assist employers with questions regarding the new form or issues that arise in the hiring process.