The I-9 form, or Employment Eligibility Verification form, is routinely updated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to accommodate changes in employment law, enhance clarity, and improve the process for verifying employment eligibility in the United States. The most recent version of the form should always be used by employers when verifying new employees’ eligibility to work.
Latest Version
As of my last update, the latest version of the I-9 form was issued on October 21, 2019, with an expiration date of October 31, 2022. However, it’s important to check the USCIS website for the most current version, as they may release updates or extend the use of the current form beyond its original expiration date if a new version has not been finalized.
Key Updates in Recent Versions
Typical updates to the I-9 form may include:
- Changes to the List of Acceptable Documents: Modifications or clarifications about which documents can be accepted for verification purposes.
- Updates to Instructions: To make the form easier to understand and fill out, USCIS periodically updates the instructions.
- Technological Enhancements: Improvements for the electronic completion and storage of the form, such as dropdown lists and digital instructions on PDF forms.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adjustments to comply with changes in federal law or policy regarding employment and immigration.
How to Obtain the Latest I-9 Form
To get the latest I-9 form:
- Visit the USCIS Website: The most reliable source for the latest I-9 form and its instructions is the official USCIS I-9 webpage. You can download the form and instructions in PDF format.
- Employer Responsibilities: Employers are responsible for ensuring that they are using the most current version of the form for all new hires and for reverification when necessary.
Using the Form Correctly
Employers must ensure that:
- The form is completed on time: Section 1 of the form must be completed by the employee on their first day of employment, and Section 2 must be completed by the employer within three business days of the employee’s start date.
- The correct documents are used: Employees should provide documents that establish both identity and employment authorization from the Lists of Acceptable Documents provided in the instructions of the I-9 form.
- The form is retained properly: Employers must retain completed I-9 forms for a designated period (at least three years after the date of hire or one year after the date employment ends, whichever is later) and have them available for inspection if required by authorized government officials.
Always refer to the latest guidance and detailed instructions provided by USCIS when filling out the I-9 form to ensure compliance with employment eligibility verification requirements.