The Federal Government released an updated I-9 form
On January 31, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security published a new I-9 form for employers to use for all new-hires. Use of the new form will become mandatory on May 1, 2020.
The I-9 form is used to verify identity and employment authorization for people hired to work in the United States. Worksite employers are responsible for making sure the I-9 form is completed correctly and within three business days of the first day of work for every new employee.
Here’s a look at the notable changes to the I-9 form instructions:
- Employers will be allowed to pick an authorized representative to complete Section 2 of the form. However, employers will still be accountable for any violations committed by their designated representative.
- Writing “N/A” or not applicable in unused identity-document columns is no longer necessary.
- A worker’s Employment Authorization Document (EAD) cannot be used in Section 2 list C to prove employment authorization.
The only changes to the document itself are noticeable when completing the form digitally — this includes adding the Country of Issuance field in Section 1 and the Issuing Authority field in Section 2.
While these changes will not cause any additional action for employers, feel free to contact our HR team with any questions you may have. As always, we’re here to help!
