In July, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officially introduced a new Form I-9, which became available on August 1. However, the agency announced that employers may continue using the previous version until October 31. This grace period allows employers to transition to the new form while ensuring compliance with the latest USCIS guidelines.
After October 31, employers using the old form could face penalties. In addition to the new Form I-9’s release, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final rule that allows them “to conduct a pilot program that offers the remote examination option to an even broader category of employers.”
The changes have streamlined the new Form I-9, making it easier for employers and employees to complete. These changes include:
They also made some changes to the instructions for the form, such as reducing their length to eight pages, streamlining the steps necessary to complete the form, adding some definitions, and adding instructions on using the checkbox for employers using an alternative procedure to examine the documentation for Form I-9.
Employers interested in remotely examining documentation must prove their good standing and use E-Verify. They must also conduct a live video interview with the employee whose documentation they are reviewing, maintain copies of all the presented documents for the form, and create an E-Verify case for any new employees.
This alternative process may help many employers due to the increase in remote work. However, completing Form I-9 can still prove complicated due to the many documents an employee may present. The best way to ensure correctly completed forms is by using an electronic I-9 management system. This system guides employers through the verification process, stores forms and accompanying documentation, and includes E-Verify integration.
Automate your employment eligibility verification today with the ensured compliance of I-9 Compliance.