On March 8, 2013, the government issued a new and revised Form I-9 with a revision date of 03/08/13.Employers should begin using this new form immediately. Employers who do not use the new form on or after May 7, 2013 will be subject to penalties imposed by federal law.

Here are a few reminders and highlights:

• Section 1 of Form I-9 must be completed on or before the first day of work.

• Section 2 of Form I-9 must be completed within 3 business days of the first day of work.

• Form I-9 may be completed prior to the first day of work provided the employee has been offered and accepted employment.

• If a field on the form is left blank (e.g. "former names" field), then N/A should be inserted rather than leaving the field blank.

• If the hire date is changed after completing Form I-9, then the form should be corrected.

• Inserting an employee email address and phone number in Section 1 is optional, not mandatory.

• Inserting a Social Security Number in Section 1 is optional, unless the employer is participating in E-Verify.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis. The USCIS also issued a revised “Handbook for Employers Guidance for Completing the Form I-9 (M-274)” to correspond with the new Form I-9. An updated copy of the Handbook can be obtained at http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/m-274.pdf.