USCIS Releases New M-274 Handbook

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has released a new version of the Handbook for Employers, Guidance for Completing Form I-9 (M-274), to assist employers with compliance information and better understanding the updated Form I-9 that was released last year.

One of the most significant changes to the updated M-274 covers automatic renewals of Employment Authorization Documents (EAD). EADs can now be auto-extended for up to 180 days for certain individuals who timely filed to renew an EAD that is in the same category as the previous EAD.

The M-274 handbook also addresses a new provision; mandating employers retain the Form I-9 for employees that are hired but don’t stay at the organization long enough to get paid. This mandate however contradicts several government rulings stating employers are not required to retain Form I-9s for employees that have never been paid. John Fay, vice president and general counsel with LawLogix, recommends employers work with legal counsel before adopting any new policies about I-9 retention.

To read more about the Employer Handbook, click here.

The Form I-9 is a minefield of compliance issues for employers. Experts at SINGLEForm work constantly to keep up to date with evolving government regulations, keeping your company, your employees and your forms in compliance.

Sources:
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