New Form I-9 Version Will Be Mandatory for Employers Starting January 22, 2017
November 21, 2016
The USCIS has released an updated version of Form I-9, the Employment Eligibility Verification form, which must be used by all employers starting on January 22, 2017. Until that date, employers may use either the current version of the form (dated 3/8/2013) or the new version, which was released on November 14. Rules for storage and retention have not changed.
According to the USCIS, the new Form I-9 is easier to complete using a computer. Enhancements include drop-down lists and calendars; on-screen instructions for each field; and an option to clear the form and start over.
Other changes include: The certification in Section 1 for certain foreign nationals takes less time to complete; Section 1 asks only for “other last names used” instead of “other names used”; prompts have been added to ensure that information is entered correctly; extra space is provided for additional information so there is no need to write in the margins; and a supplemental page for multiple preparers/translators has been added. The form instructions, available at the link above, also have been updated and have increased to 15 pages.
WSM will be offering a complimentary webinar in January to review the new version of Form I-9 and provide training on how to complete it properly.
