One of the regular features of this blog includes updates on hiring laws and regulations. We most recently covered new overtime rules for North Carolina; now we’re taking a look at the most recent revision to the I-9 form.
The I-9 is a document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to establish and record job applicants’ identity and eligibility to work. On it, employees attest their citizenship and/or immigration status, and employers keep completed I9s in storage according to USCIS guidelines.
The newest revision of the I-9 was made available on Aug. 1 and, starting Nov. 1, the USCIS will only accept forms marked “08/01/2023.” The USCIS revised both the I-9 and the instructions accompanying it to make it easier for both employees and employers to stay compliant.
What To Be Aware Of
Highlights of I-9 Changes
- USCIS merged several fields and moved Preparer/Translator Certification to a separate Supplement A to reduce sections 1 and 2 to a single sheet.
- The agency moved Section 3, covering reverification and rehiring, to a standalone Supplement B.
- For clarity and in an effort to remove dehumanizing language, USCIS replaced “alien authorized to work” with “noncitizen authorized to work.” New verbiage also differentiates between “noncitizen national” and “noncitizen authorized to work.”
- The online I-9 is now mobile friendly.
- The Lists of Acceptable Documents have expanded to provide enhanced guidance.
- It is now possible for employers to remotely examine and evaluate documents that employees provide.
Changes to I-9 Instructions
- USCIS reduced the instructions from 15 pages to 8 pages.
- The agency added definitions of key participants in the Form I-9 process on the first page, identifying their roles immediately.
- Also streamlined were the steps each participant takes to complete their section of the form.
- USCIS added instructions for the new checkbox that indicates when Form I-9 documents were remotely examined.
- Finally, the agency removed abbreviations charts that cluttered the instructions and relocated them to the Employer Handbook (M-274).
Keep current with Mega Force
2023 has been a busy year in terms of changing regulations, and Mega Force is here to help you navigate the shifting landscape. And if you’re looking to expand your employee base, you can request candidates here.
