As the Department of Homeland Security continues to prioritize national security, it is crucial for all employers to use the updated version of Form I-9 when hiring new employees. The latest edition, released in 2021, is now available for download on our website.
What is Form I-9?
Form I-9, also known as the Employment Eligibility Verification Form, is a document that all employers in the United States are required to complete for each person they hire. The form helps employers verify an individual’s identity and eligibility to work in the United States. The new 2021 version of Form I-9 replaces the previous version that was valid until April 30, 2021.
What are the changes in the new Form I-9?
The new Form I-9 features only minor revisions to the instructions and List of Acceptable Documents for verification of employment eligibility. Employers should continue using the form in the same manner as previous versions. The most significant change in the instructions includes the addition of a new method for verifying employment authorization for certain noncitizen employees.
How to complete Form I-9
Upon starting a new job, you will be required to provide an employer with certain documentation for I-9 form completion. The employer will then complete Section 2 of the I-9 form, attesting that they have reviewed the documentation provided by the new hire and that it appears genuine.
There are three sections of Form I-9:
Section 1
Employee information and attestation. Section 1 must be completed by the employee no later than the first day of employment.
Section 2
Employer review and verification. Section 2 of Form I-9 must be completed by the employer within three business days of the employee’s hire date. The employer must review and verify the employee’s identity and work eligibility documents.
Section 3
Reverification and rehires. Employers should complete Section 3 of Form I-9 when reverifying the work eligibility of an employee, or when rehiring an employee within three years of the date the original Form I-9 was completed.
Why is Form I-9 important?
Form I-9 is essential because it helps prevent unauthorized employment and protects the integrity of the U.S. immigration system. It is important for employers to ensure that they comply with all relevant federal and state laws relating to the hiring process, as well as any applicable industry-specific regulations.
Failure to properly complete Form I-9 or comply with related requirements can result in significant fines and penalties for employers. Employers who knowingly hire or continue to employ unauthorized workers may face even harsher penalties under federal immigration law.
Conclusion
With the release of the new 2021 Form I-9, employers must ensure they are using the most up-to-date version in their hiring process. The updated Form I-9 offers only minor revisions to the instructions and List of Acceptable Documents for verification of employment eligibility. Employers should continue using the form in the same manner as previous versions, ensuring they comply with all relevant federal and state laws relating to the hiring process.
At the Department of Homeland Security, we take national security seriously and are committed to protecting our borders and ensuring that employers only hire authorized workers. By complying with Form I-9 requirements, employers can contribute to the overall national security efforts of the United States. We encourage all employers to download and use the latest edition of Form I-9 for their hiring processes.
