Form I-9 Changes: Simplifying Employment Verification

On August 1, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will introduce a revised version of Form I-9, offering several significant improvements and enhancements.

First, the updated Form I-9 will be streamlined, reducing Sections 1 and 2 to a single-sided sheet. This change aims to make the form more concise and user-friendly, simplifying the verification process for employers.

Moreover, the revised form is designed to be fillable on tablets and mobile devices, making it more accessible and adaptable to modern technology.

However, another notable update is the repositioning of certain sections. The Section 1 Preparer/Translator Certification area will be moved to a separate, standalone supplement. This allows employers to provide this supplement to employees when necessary, streamlining the process further.

Similarly, Section 3, which covers Reverification and Rehire, will also be placed in a standalone supplement. This enables employers to print and use the supplement only when re-hire occurs or re-verification is required, reducing unnecessary paperwork.

The Lists of Acceptable Documents page in the revised Form I-9 will also be updated. It will include some acceptable receipts, guidance, and links to information on automatic extensions of employment authorization documentation. This additional information aims to provide more clarity to employers during the document verification process.

The form’s instructions will also be reduced from 15 pages to 8 pages, making them more concise and easier to follow. This change will help employers navigate the verification process more clearly and efficiently.

Furthermore, employers using E-Verify will be allowed to review documents remotely via video conference under an alternative procedure authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  USCIS will discontinue the temporary flexibilities afforded under COVID-19, effective July 31, 2023.  If your company is not enrolled in E-Verify, it cannot take advantage of these remote review options, but instead, your company would be required to continue meeting in person with the employee to examine their original documents. 

If you wish to learn more, read the full update here, find the new Form I-9,  or contact Farmer Law PC to speak to a legal professional about your E-Verify or I-9 needs.