The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published newly updated employment eligibility verification paperwork (Form I-9). This version updates what employers may now use to verify employment authorization. The new Form I-9 incorporates minor updates and aligns the document with statutory changes, including a revised privacy notice.

The new version released by the USCIS is dated 01/20/2025 with an expiration date of 05/31/27. As such, it is now available for download from the USCIS website. However, employers understand that the previous versions of the Form I-9 will remain valid until their expiration dates. Applicable Form I-9 versions include the following:

• The 08/01/23 edition, which has an expiration date of 05/31/2027 (the USCIS reminds employers that any electronic systems must update the Form expiring 05/31/2027 by July 31, 2026); and
• The 08/01/23 edition, which has an expiration date of 07/31/2026

Employers should also take note of the more significant changes in the latest edition of the Form I-9. For example, it has updated the language in the fourth checkbox of Section 1. Formerly, this checkbox read as “A noncitizen authorized to work.” Instead, it will read as “An alien authorized to work.” This change reflects and reverses an update from the previous administration’s move to eliminate the use of the word “alien.”

While older versions of Form I-9 may continue to read as “A noncitizen authorized to work,” E-Verify will automatically convert the phrase into the new language: “An alien authorized to work.” As such, E-Verify will recognize employees who choose “A noncitizen authorized to work” in the older Form I-9s in the fourth checkbox for Section 1 as selecting “An alien authorized to work.”

Participants in E-Verify+ will now see the new date of 01/20/2025 and an expiration date of 05/31/27 on Form I-9NG. Other updates include revising the descriptions of two documents in List B, adding new statutory language, and adding a revised DHS Privacy Notice to the instructions.

Though these changes are relatively minor compared to past updates, employers must take note and adjust accordingly. Employers must ensure they comply with state and federal employment authorization verification requirements.

The best way to help ensure compliance is by incorporating a high-quality electronic I-9 management system. This system offers guidance through the I-9 process, secure digital storage for all forms and related documents, notifications of when to take action, and an optional E-Verify integration.

When it comes to your employees, automation makes eligibility verification quick and simple. Ensure compliance today with I-9 Compliance.

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