U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, will be released on August 1, 2023. The new form is set to include several improvements that aim to facilitate and streamline the employment verification process.
One of the significant updates to the form is the inclusion of a checkbox specifically for employers enrolled in the E-Verify program. This checkbox allows employers to indicate if they have conducted a remote examination of identity and employment authorization documents. This new feature aims to enhance flexibility for employers and simplify the verification process.
Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has authorized alternative procedures for employers to examine Form I-9 documentation. This means that employers enrolled in E-Verify will now have the option to participate in remote examination of the required documents. However, to qualify for this alternative procedure, employers must be enrolled in E-Verify, retain copies of all documents, conduct a live video interaction with the employee, and create an E-Verify case for new hires.
Furthermore, employers who had previously utilized COVID-19 flexibilities for document examination will now be able to choose to use this new alternative procedure.
The revised Form I-9 also brings some structural changes. Sections 1 and 2 are now reduced to a single-sided sheet, making it more succinct and easier to navigate. The form is also designed to be fillable on tablets and mobile devices, catering to the increasing reliance on digital platforms.
Other notable changes include the relocation of the Section 1 Preparer/Translator Certification area to a separate supplement and the move of Section 3, Reverification and Rehire, to its own standalone supplement. The Lists of Acceptable Documents page has been revised to include information on extensions of employment authorization documentation as well as acceptable receipts.
The revision has also resulted in a reduction in form instructions, reducing the total number of pages from 15 to 8.
Starting August 1, 2023, the revised Form I-9 will be available on the USCIS website (uscis.gov). Employers will have a transition period and can continue using the current form until October 31, 2023. However, starting November 1, 2023, employers must use the new form to comply with employment eligibility verification requirements.
Overall, these revisions mark an effort by USCIS to improve and modernize the Form I-9 process, aiming to ensure accurate employment eligibility verification while offering increased flexibility and ease of use for employers.
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