On March 30, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a series of proposed changes to the Employment Eligibility Verification form (Form I-9) that would significantly overhaul the document’s structure.
The changes, which are designed to simplify the process and clarify requirements, include:
- Reducing the first two sections to one page from the current two to save on paper.
- Separating the third section to stand alone and only be accessible if necessary.
- Adding a link to C documents in the List of Acceptable Documents on the website of the US citizenship and immigration services.
- Reducing the number of instructions pages from 15 to seven to make them easier to understand.
- Adapting the form so it can be filled out on any device.
The DHS also intends to change the N/A rule, which required new hires to fill out all fields, even optional ones. Optional fields can now be left blank.
Employers are also advised that any extra information needed to fill out section 2 should be recorded in the additional information field, which must be initialed and dated.
The DHS has opened the floor to public comments regarding these proposed changes. In the past, the agency has implemented many changes suggested by the public.
The proposed changes will go into effect on Oct. 31 2022, when the current form is due to expire.
Stay up to date with the latest employee benefits news by subscribing to our various industry newsletters.
This article is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. © 2022 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Share This Story
Related Blogs
Putting HR Technology to Work: How INSURICA Clients Gain an Edge with OutSail
Payroll errors that hit the general ledger, open-enrollment portals that freeze at midnight, new hires juggling four log-ins on day one - when HR technology falters, the ripple effects reach every corner of the organization. Yet most employers still rely on a patchwork of legacy systems chosen under deadline pressure.
CPR and AED Training for School Staff: A Life-Saving Back-to-School Priority
As students return to campus, it’s important for school administrators to assess more than just academics and operations. One critical area that deserves attention is CPR and AED training for school staff. Ensuring your employees are prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies can save lives—and now is the perfect time to make it a priority.
Mental Health Parity Requirements are Still in Full Force—Even as New Federal Rules are Temporarily on Hold
In May 2025, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury announced a temporary pause in enforcement of the 2024 final rule under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), following a legal challenge brought by an employer coalition. This enforcement pause gives the agencies time to reexamine certain provisions and consider future revisions through the regulatory process.