The I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form, the onboarding document required by the federal government used to record employment eligibility in the United States, is scheduled for an overhaul by the time the current form expires on October 31, 2022. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is proposing changes that will simplify and clarify the I-9 form.
Some of the proposed changes include:
- Combining Sections 1 and 2 to reduce paper use.
- Changing Section 3 to a separate stand-alone Reverification and Rehire Supplement.
- Updating the List of Acceptable Documents which will include a website link to this list.
- Simplifying and reducing the I-9 Form’s instructions to 7 pages.
- Removing electronic PDF enhancements to ensure that the form can be completed on all electronic devices.
- Eliminating the “not applicable” requirement and allowing HR and new hires to leave fields blank on the I-9 if they do not apply.
The DHS is also proposing to condense the A-number, I-94, and Foreign Passport boxes into one box and the removal of the QR code box. Currently, the online version of the Form I-9 automatically generates a QR code meant to assist with record retention and tracking. DHS is also reminding employers to use the Additional Information field to record any additional information required to complete Section 2. DHS also notes that employers need to initial and date any additional recorded information. For more information on your I-9 requirements, please visit: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central