New Form I-9 to be released August 1

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it will release a new Form I-9 with an August 1 effective date. The current 2019 version can continue to be used through October 31. Bukaty Companies will release the updated form once available.

The soon-to be-released form has been reduced to a single page and is expected to be easier for employers and employees to complete.

The revised Form I-9

• reduces Sections 1 and 2 to a single-sided sheet;
• is designed to be a fillable form on tablets and mobile devices;
• moves the Section 1 Preparer/Translator Certification area to a separate, standalone supplement that employers can provide to employees when necessary;
• moves Section 3, Reverification and Rehire, to a standalone supplement that employers can print if or when rehire occurs or reverification is required;
• revises the Lists of Acceptable Documents page to include some acceptable receipts as well as guidance and links to information on automatic extensions of employment authorization documentation;
• reduces Form instructions from 15 pages to 8 pages; and
• includes a checkbox allowing employers to indicate they examined Form I-9 documentation remotely under a DHS-authorized alternative procedure rather than via physical examination.

As of July 31, the pre-pandemic flexibilities that suspended the requirement to have in-person Form I-9 documentation verification ends. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final rule allowing employers enrolled in E-Verify the option to remotely examine employee identity and employment authorization documents. Employers must be enrolled in E-Verify, examine and retain copies of all documents, conduct a live video interaction with the employee, and create an E-Verify case if the employee is a new hire.

For additional information, contact your Bukaty benefits consultant at 913.345.0440.