Since the current version of the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, expired on March 31, 2016, employers have been awaiting a new, updated form. On August 25, 2016, the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved a revised Form I-9. Consequently, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has 90 days to update the form and must publish a revised form by November 22, 2016. According to the OMB Notice of Action, this new Form I-9 will expire on August 31, 2019 — a three-year validation period similar to previous validation periods. In the meantime, employers may continue using the current version of Form I-9 (with a revision date of 03/08/2013 N) until January 21, 2017. After January 21, 2017, all previous versions of Form I-9 will be invalid.

Changes to the Form

Many of the Form I-9 changes were designed to help with completing the form and assist in reducing technical errors. For instance, new smart error-checking features have been added when the form is completed using an Adobe PDF viewer or application. Some other new features include:

Addition of a supplement where more than one preparer or translator is used to complete Section 1 (translator certification where an employee must check that he or she did or did not use a preparer or translator in completing the form).
Controls within the form for users to electronically access the instructions, print the form, and clear the form.
Drop-down calendars and lists.
Embedded instructions for completing each field.
Provision of additional spaces to enter multiple preparers and translators.
Quick-response matrix barcode (QR code) that generates once the form is printed and may be used to streamline audit processes.
Rather than all other names used, only requiring employees to provide other last names used in Section 1.
Removing the requirement that aliens authorized to work provide both foreign passport information and Form I-94 in Section 1 after attestation of such status.
Separating instructions from the form.
Specific area to enter additional information that employers are currently required to notate in the form’s margins.
Validations on certain fields to ensure information is entered correctly.

The new Form I-9 instructions also provide revised abbreviations for use on the form. Employers should use these abbreviations although longer, commonly used abbreviations may still be acceptable. For example, “Permanent Resident Card” is now “Perm. Resident Card (Form I-551).”

Related Rulemaking

Also important, the federal Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has proposed to revise regulations implementing a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act concerning unfair immigration-related employment practices. In these revised regulations, the OSC proposes a new definition of discrimination along with a revision to the language related to unfair documentary practices. The proposed definition clarifies that discrimination is the act of intentionally treating an individual differently, regardless of the explanation for the discrimination, and regardless of whether it is because of animus or hostility, to include the process related to completing the Form I-9.

There is also a proposed unfair documentary practices portion to prohibit unfair immigration-related employment practices. It would replace the current document abuse provision, which prohibits requiring more or different documents than presented if the employee presented documents from the list of acceptable documents. This also goes to an employer’s rejection of employee-completed Section 1 — which may be considered a discriminatory employment practice.

Currently, the USCIS provides this guidance in the prevention of discrimination in the Form I-9 process.

What to Do

As a response to the many pending changes to the Form I-9 and related laws, the next step for employers is to review current policies and procedures. For instance, employers will still be permitted to print and complete the new Form I-9 by hand, but that may not be a permanent option. In fact, employers and employees may elect to fill out any or all sections of the form by computer, by hand (printed), or a combination of both.

ThinkHR will keep you informed as more information is released. The USCIS suggests that employers visit I-9 Central and subscribe to GovDelivery to ensure receipt of the latest news on the revised Form I-9.

Originally published by ThinkHR – Read More