USCIS Revises Form I-9 (Verification of Employment Eligibility)
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently published a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. By January 22, 2017, employers must use only the new version, dated 11/14/2016. Until then, they can continue to use either the version dated 03/08/2013 or the new version.
Among the changes in the new version, Section 1 asks for “other last names used” rather than “other names used,” and streamlines certification for certain foreign nationals.
Other changes include:
- The addition of prompts to ensure information is entered correctly.
- The ability to enter multiple preparers and translators.
- A dedicated area for including additional information rather than having to add it in the margins.
- A supplemental page for the preparer/translator.
The instructions have been separated from the form, in line with other USCIS forms, and include specific instructions for completing each field.
USCIS said the revised I-9 is also easier to complete on a computer. Changes include drop-down lists and calendars for filling in dates, on-screen instructions for each field, access to the full instructions, and an option to clear the form and start over. When the employer prints the completed form, a quick response (QR) code is automatically generated, which can be read by most QR readers.
The announcement is at https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-revises-form-i-9-used-all-new-hires-us.
