Dental practice owners: New form required for new hires

Dental practice owners, take note: U.S. employers hiring new personnel must use an updated version of Form I-9, which is designed to verify the identity and employment authorization of people hired in the U.S.

Improvements to Form I-9 include new fields, reformatting to reduce errors, and clearer instructions for both employees and employers, according to a March 8 notice from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Prior versions of Form I-9 can be used until May 7, 2013.

A Spanish version of the form is available on the USCIS website for use in Puerto Rico only. Spanish-speaking employers and employees in the 50 states; Washington, DC; and other U.S. territories may use the Spanish version for reference, but must complete the English version of the form.

"All U.S. employers must ensure proper completion of Form I-9 for each individual they hire for employment in the United States," the USCIS said. "This includes citizens and noncitizens. Both employees and employers (or authorized representatives of the employer) must complete the form. On the form, an employee must attest to his or her employment authorization. The employee must also present his or her employer with acceptable documents evidencing identity and employment authorization."

The form is not filed with the USCIS or any government agency. However, employers are responsible for completing and retaining the form for a designated period and making it available for inspection by authorized government officers.

The revised forms are available in English and Spanish online at www.uscis.gov.