Effective January 22, 2017, employers must use the revised form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification Form.
The I-9 is the form that all U. S. employers are required to complete to verify the identity and employment authorization of new employees. The 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), prohibits employers from hiring employees, including U.S. citizens, without first verifying their identity and checking that they have proper authorization to work in the United States.
The new version of the Form I-9 includes some clarifications and changes designed to make the form easier to fill out. The form can be downloaded and completed on a computer and contains enhancements such as drop-down lists, “hover-over” instructions/tips, and calendar fill-in dates.
Form I-9s completed electronically will still need to be printed and signed by the employee and employer by hand.
Changes:
- Section 1 now asks for “other last names used” rather than “other names used.”
- Question regarding whether a preparer or translator was used
- Space to enter multiple preparers and translators
- A supplemental page for the preparer/translator
- Creation of a QR (quick response) code once the Form I-9 is completed electronically
- A field to enter additional information such as E-Verify confirmation numbers, termination dates and correction notes, and
- Separating the full instructions from the form itself.
Employers are responsible for accurate completion and retention of form I-9. The minimum penalty for failing to comply with Form I-9 requirements is $216 per form and the maximum is $2,156 per form.
