After September 30, 2010, all certified copies of Puerto Rico birth certificates issued prior to July 1, 2010 will become invalid.   In response to a new law, the Vital Statistics Office of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico began issuing new, more secure certified birth certificates on July 1, 2010.  This law does not affect the U.S. citizenship status of any individual born in Puerto Rico.  However, it does affect the validity of certified copies of some specific Puerto Rico birth certificates.

Employment Eligibility Verification Impact:

Through September 30, 2010: 

• All certified copies of Puerto Rico birth certificates are acceptable for I-9 purposes.

Effective October 1, 2010:

• Only certified copies of Puerto Rico birth certificates issued on or after July 1, 2010 are acceptable for I-9 purposes. 
• If a new employee presents for List C a certified copy of a birth certificate issued by the Vital Statistics Office of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the employer must verify the date of certification to ensure validity for I-9 purposes. 
• An employer must not re-verify existing employees whose employment eligibility was verified on Form I-9 prior to October 1, 2010.
• Federal Contractors may have additional rules.  Click here to access additional information.

Some information courtesty of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services

Page Summary: Rules relating to verification of employment eligibility through the I-9 process will change effective October 1, 2010 for holders of some certified copies of Puerto Rico birth certificates.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not legal advice. Transmission of this information is not intended to create, and receipt by you does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Readers must not act upon any information without first seeking advice from a qualified attorney. Copyright 2010 Berardi Immigration Law.