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New I-9 Form Takes Effect Next Year

12/1/16

By: Agne Krutules

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. The revision process commenced over a year ago, with the main goal to strengthen the security and integrity of the I-9 Form.

Effective January 22, 2017, employers must use only the new version, dated 11/14/2016. Until then, they can continue to use the version dated 03/08/2013 or the new version.

Among the changes to the I-9 Form, 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.

The revised Form I-9 is also easier to complete on a computer. Enhancements include drop-down lists and calendars for filling in dates, on-screen instructions for each field, easy 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.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) imposes hefty fines (raging from $110 to $1,100 per violation) for improperly preparing I-9 Forms.

For any questions you may have, please contact Agne Krutules at akrutules@fmglaw.com.