The Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS) Jan. 11 released a revised M-274, a handbook for employers explaining and facilitating the Form I-9 process. The handbook is available on the
USCIS web site.
Employers are required to fill out and retain an I-9 form for all employees verifying their employment eligibility, including U.S. citizens and non-citizens. The updated handbook gives employers information on the electronic storage and retention of I-9 forms and how to file for employees with complicated immigration status. It includes new visual aids for completing the Form I-9; examples of new USCIS documents; expanded guidance on the processing of employees H-1B or H-2A status; and expanded guidance on extensions of stay for employees with temporary employment authorization.
A previous edition of M-274 contained inconsistencies relating to federal laws and regulations as well as errors such as incorrect telephone numbers. These issues have been addressed in the updated manual.
The USCIS has also stated in their Dec. 20 regulatory agenda for 2011 that they intend to publish a final rule amending the list of acceptable identity documents for I-9 forms.