Revised Form I-9. Among the improvements to the form is a checkbox employers enrolled in E-Verify can use to indicate they remotely examined identity and employment authorization documents under an alternative procedure authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described below.
Employers who are participating in E-Verify may choose to use the new alternative procedure starting immediately to satisfy the physical document examination. Employers who are not enrolled in E-Verify must continue to complete an in-person physical examination.
The updated Form I-9 brings several improvements:
- Reduces Sections 1 and 2 to a single-sided sheet.
- Is designed to be a fillable form on tablets and mobile devices
- Moves the Section 1 Preparer/Translator Certification area to a separate, standalone supplement that employers can provide to employees when necessary.
- Moves Section 3, Reverification and Rehire, to a standalone supplement that employers can print if or when rehire occurs or re-verification is required.
- Revises the Lists of Acceptable Documents page to include some acceptable receipts as well as guidance and links to information on automatic extensions of employment authorization documentation.
- Reduces Form instructions from 15 pages to 8 pages.
- Includes a checkbox allowing employers to indicate they examined Form I-9 documentation remotely under a DHS-authorized alternative procedure rather than via physical examination.
It's of utmost importance for all employers to take note of the impending deadline, which goes into effect on November 1, 2023. Starting from this date, employers must exclusively use the new Form I-9 for their employment verification processes. This revised form is a significant step toward streamlining and enhancing the employment verification process, keeping it in line with evolving needs and technological advancements.