USCIS Updates Form I-9 and E-Verify

USCIS Updates Form I-9 and E-Verify

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released minor updates to Form I-9, the document all U.S. employers must use to verify the identity and employment authorization of new hires. Alongside these changes, updates were also made to the government’s E-Verify system. Although the revisions are small, employers and HR professionals should take note to ensure compliance with federal hiring requirements.

Updates to Form I-9

The most recent version of Form I-9 is dated 01/20/25 and includes the following changes:

• In Section 1, the checkbox formerly labeled “A noncitizen authorized to work” has been updated to read “An alien authorized to work.”
• The language for two List B identity documents has been revised for consistency with legal definitions.
• The form instructions now include updated privacy notices from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

These edits do not change the completion process or the list of acceptable documents. Instead, they are intended to align the form more closely with terminology used in U.S. immigration law.

Accepted Versions of Form I-9

Employers may currently use any of the following valid editions:

• 01/20/25 edition (expires 05/31/2027) – latest version
• 08/01/23 edition (expires 05/31/2027)
• 08/01/23 edition (expires 07/31/2026) – still valid, but employers must update electronic systems by July 31, 2026, to reflect the correct expiration date

E-Verify System Updates

To remain consistent with the revised Form I-9, E-Verify has also updated its language:

• The option previously labeled “A noncitizen authorized to work” now appears as “An alien authorized to work.”

Employers should be aware of the following:

• If an employee selects “An alien authorized to work” on the 01/20/25 Form I-9, E-Verify will reflect the same wording.
• If an older version of Form I-9 is used and the employee selects the outdated language, employers must still choose “An alien authorized to work” in E-Verify.
• The change also applies to users of E-Verify Web Services and E-Verify+. In those systems, the employment status will be updated automatically, even if the form reflects previous wording.

What Employers Should Do

• Download and begin using the 01/20/25 edition of Form I-9, or continue using a still-valid earlier version.
• Update internal systems to reflect the expiration date if using the 08/01/23 edition.
• When creating cases in E-Verify, always select “An alien authorized to work,” regardless of which version of the form was used.

What Employees Should Know

New hires may notice different language depending on which version of Form I-9 is used. These terminology changes do not impact eligibility or the overall hiring process. The purpose of the updates is to ensure that government systems are consistent with legal language and regulatory definitions.

While these changes are minimal, staying informed ensures that both employers and employees remain compliant and avoid potential delays or errors in the hiring process.

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