Many of the proposed changes to Form I-9 were designed to reduce technical errors and help customers complete the form on their computer after they have downloaded it from uscis.gov. In response to the public comments USCIS received during the 60-day notice, USCIS has made further improvements to the proposed form.
Key changes to the form include:
- Validations on certain fields to ensure information is entered correctly;
- Additional spaces to enter multiple preparers and translators;
- Drop-down lists and calendars;
- Embedded instructions for completing each field;
- Buttons that will allow users to access the instructions electronically, print the form and clear the form to start over;
- A dedicated area to enter additional information that employers are currently required to notate in the margins of the form;
- A quick-response matrix barcode, or QR code, that generates once the form is printed that can be used to streamline audit processes;
- Requiring employees to provide only other last names used in Section 1, rather than all other names used;
- Removing the requirement that aliens authorized to work provide both their Form I-94 number and foreign passport information in Section 1;
- Separating instructions from the form, in keeping with USCIS practice;
- Adding a Supplement in cases where more than one preparer or translator is used to complete Section 1.
After the 30-day period
After the 30-day period ends and public comments are considered, USCIS may make further changes to the form. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will review the information collection for approval. Once OMB approves the information collection, USCIS will post the newly revised form and form instructions on its Forms page and make the form available for use by the public.Until further notice, employers should continue using Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. This current version of the form continues to be effective even after the Office of Management and Budget control number expiration date of March 31, 2016, has passed. USCIS will provide updated information about the new version of Form I-9 as it becomes available.
Employers must complete Form I-9 for all newly hired employees to verify their identity and authorization to work in the U.S. To learn more about Form I-9 visit I-9 Central.
