New Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification

On November 14, 2016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification (“Form I-9”). Employers can continue to use the most recent version dated March 8, 2013 until January 22, 2017. By January 22, 2017, employers must use only the new version or face serious fines.

Form I-9 requirements were established in November 1986 when Congress passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA). IRCA prohibits employers from hiring people, including U.S. citizens, for employment in the United States without verifying their identity and employment authorization using Form I-9.

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. The revised Form I-9 is easier to complete using a computer. Enhancements include drop-down lists and calendars for filling in dates, on-screen instructions for each blank item, easy access to the full instructions, and an option to clear the form and start over.

Additionally, prompts have been added to ensure the information is entered correctly, and now employers can enter multiple preparers and translators. There is a dedicated area for including all additional information rather than having to add it in the margins. There is also a supplemental page for the preparer/translator. When the employer prints the completed form, a quick response (QR) code is automatically generated, which can be read by most QR readers and may be used to streamline audit processes.

The instructions have been separated from the form, consistent with other USCIS forms, and include specific instructions for completing each field.

This client alert is published by Dickinson Wright PLLC to inform our clients and friends of important developments in the field of immigration. The content is informational only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. We encourage you to consult a Dickinson Wright attorney if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered here.


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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Elise S. Levasseur is a Member in Dickinson Wright’s Troy office. She can be reached at 248.433.7520 or elevasseur@dickinsonwright.com.


Christian S. Allen is Of Counsel in Dickinson Wright’s Troy office. He can be reached at 248.433.7299 or callen@dickinsonwright.com.


Lisa D. Duran is a Member in Dickinson Wright’s Phoenix office. She can be reached at 602.285.5032 or lduran@dickinsonwright.com.


Suzanne K. Sukkar is Of Counsel in Dickinson Wright’s Ann Arbor office. She can be reached at 734.623.1694 or ssukkar@dickinsonwright.com.


Kevin J. Weber is a Partner in Dickinson Wright’s Toronto office. He can be reached at 416.367.0899 or kweber@dickinsonwright.com.

If you would like a printable version of this immigration client alert, click here.