November 14, 2016 – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a revised Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.

Employers must use the new Form I-9 by Jan. 22, 2017. Until that date, either the version dated 03/08/2013 N or the new version may be used.

Form changes include:

• Section 1 asks for “other last names used” rather any “other names used.”
• Additional prompts to ensure information is entered correctly.
• The ability to enter multiple preparers and translators.
• An area to include additional information ( rather than having to add it in the margins).
• A supplemental page for the preparer/translator.

Form instructions are separate from the form, and include specific instructions for completing each field.

The revised Form I-9 is also easier to complete on a computer, with drop-down lists and calendars for date entries, on-screen instructions for each field, easy access to the full instructions, and an option to clear the form and start over. After printing a completed form, a quick response (QR) code is automatically generated, which can be read by most QR readers.

Form I-9 requirements were established in November 1986 when Congress passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA). IRCA prohibits employers from hiring anyone in the United States without verifying their identity and employment authorization on Form I-9.

For more information and to access the new Form I-9, click here or visit uscis.gov