USCIS’s revised edition of the I-9 employment eligibility verification form, dated 11/14/16, will become mandatory for employers on January 22, 2017. Until that date, employers may continue to use the version dated 03/08/13.
The new edition, which was released in November, does not change the key substantive questions on Form I-9 or the list of acceptable identity and work authorization documents, but it contains some format changes that are intended to reduce completion errors when the form is filled out on a computer. These include auto-population of certain fields, rudimentary error checking to ensure that all fields on the form are completed, drop-down lists to aid in the selection of identity and work authorization documents and a new text field that allows employers to enter annotations on special situations, such as employment authorization extensions for STEM OPT applicants, F-1 cap-gap beneficiaries and TPS beneficiaries.
The new “smart” I-9 form may be filled out on a computer or by hand. Although the new edition is optimised for electronic completion, it does not qualify as an electronic I-9 form and it does not have an electronic signature function. If completed online through the USCIS website, Form I-9 must be printed out and signed by hand by the employer, the employee and, if applicable, any preparer or translator.
Electronic signatures remain acceptable on I-9 forms that are completed through third-party software, provided that they meet government guidelines.
What This Means for Employers
Employers should ensure that the new form is integrated into their employment verification systems and processes by January 22, 2017. As a reminder, a new regulation that took effect on August 1, 2016, increased the penalties for I-9 violations and other employer compliance infractions.
Further to the UK Government's announcement in June about the EU Settlement Scheme, new information has been released about proving rights in the UK.
The "transition period" ends on 31st December 2020 and until this date identity documents (passport, identity card, or biometric residence permit for non-EEA citizens) can still be used to prove an individual's rights in the UK.
An online service will soon be launched which will allow individuals to prove their rights to others, including employers and landlords. Paper-based evidence will not be provided.
We are delighted to announce that Celsium Powered by Brunel has won the Global Mobility Solutions Provider of the Year - UK category in the 2018 Corporate Immigration & Relocation Awards.
The award, which recognises the very best firms and professionals who work to ensure the most instrumental individual is present in the most opportune place, at the right time to have the greatest impact for all stakeholders, was presented by Acquisition International.
On 21 June 2018 the UK Home Office published their EU Settlement Scheme Statement of Intent and draft Immigration Rules which set out further details about how EU citizens and their families can obtain settled status in the UK and continue living here permanently.
The statement of intent document is 60 pages long, so for those of you who don't have time to read through it, here are the main points:
The Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker has been launched that will allow tenants to check landlords and agents before they sign a tenancy agreement.
The checker, from the Mayor of London, lists those landlords and lettings agents who have been successfully prosecuted or have faced civil enforcement action for housing offences, along with details of the offences and the properties to which they relate.
At the moment, 10 of the 32 London councils have published data (equivalent to 25% of renters), with another 8 councils to submit data in the coming weeks.
Private Rental Prices Still Increasing in England, Scotland and Wales
Rental prices paid by tenants in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) increased by 1.4% in the 12 months to November 2017.
Rental prices for Great Britain excluding London increased by 1.8% in the 12 months to November 2017.
Rental prices for London increased by 0.6% in the 12 months to November 2017. This is the lowest annual increase in London since October 2010.
UAE-based corporate hospitality company blueground said work has been completed on 150 of its fully-furnished rental apartments located in some of the most popular areas of Dubai and the units are now ready for occupation.
A major player in Dubai, blueground leases and upgrades high-quality properties in the most sought-after locations, and subsequently rents them out to business travelers for mid-to-long term duration.
You may have read last week that Celsium Global Mobility Solutions has been acquired by Brunel International N.V., a leading global workforce mobilisation company headquartered in the Netherlands. If you haven't heard this exciting news, you can catch up here.
As part of the acquisition, Celsium Global Mobility Solutions has been rebranded as Celsium Powered by Brunel and we have relocated to new offices based in the heart of Birmingham's city centre business district.
We are delighted to announce Celsium’s acquisition by Brunel International N.V., a leading global workforce mobilisation company headquartered in the Netherlands. Celsium extends Brunel’s global mobility capabilities and brings further expertise for continued innovation in the staffing and employee mobility markets.