As we posted in this update on September 1st, the form I-9 has been approved. This new form will include “smart features” that will be beneficial for employers to identify potential mistakes. This new form has yet to be published, but when it is released it will be valid until August 31, 2019, a 3-year period that is consistent with previous Form I-9 validity periods.

USCIS will still continue to accept the old I-9 form for 150 days (or around January 22, 2017).

Three points for employers to note about the new form include:

• A “Citizenship/Immigration Status” field at the top of section 2.
• Section 2 has a dedicated area for notations (such as TPS extensions, OPT STEM extensions, H-1B portability, etc.).
• The “QR code” will facilitate ICE audits.

To prep for the new form, employers should conduct internal audit and train employees on the new form I-9. Although the smart features are going to be helpful to employers, they will also allow USCIS to uncover and identify errors that could lead to more and increased fines for your business.