If your company hasn’t already switched to the new I-9, it’s time to make the shift. As an employer, you understand the importance of new hire paperwork. From I-9s to direct deposit slips, new staffers are greeted with a mountain of forms that must be properly completed.
Starting Jan. 22, you will be required to use the latest version of the I-9, dated Nov. 14, 2016. You can continue using the previous version — dated March 8, 2013 — until then, but swapping it out sooner ensures you won’t inadvertently continue using the outdated one past its date of eligibility.
5 Changes in the New I-9
Now more user-friendly, the new I-9 offers many improvements that should make completing the process much easier.
- Section 1 now asks for “other last names used,” instead of “other names used.”
- New prompts help ensure all information is entered accurately.
- Multiple preparers and translators can now be entered.
- Rather than having to include it in the margins, there’s a dedicated area for additional information.
- There is a new supplemental page for the preparer or translator.
Additionally, the new I-9 is much easier to complete on a computer than previous versions. You can still fill it out by hand, but if you opt to do it electronically, you’ll notice drop-down lists and calendars to quickly and easily add dates in. On-screen instructions for each field are also included, along with readily available access to full-document instructions, and an easy way to completely clear the form and start again. After printing a completed form, a QR code automatically generates, so if you don’t already have a QR reader on your smartphone, it’s time to download one.
Purpose of Form I-9
In 1986, Congress passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act, resulting in the creation of Form I-9. Designed to help employers verify the identity and employment authorization of all new hires — including U.S. citizens and noncitizens — this document is a required part of the hiring process.
For more information on the new I-9 and to download the updated form, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
Managing a contingent workforce is an incredibly time-consuming responsibility, so allow ECS to step in. We assist clients and recruiters throughout the U.S., by providing cost-effective management and deployment of their contract labor workforce. Contact us today to learn how a partnership can benefit your organization!