I-9 Form 2026 – Every US employer must complete Form I-9 for new hires to verify identity and employment authorization. As of 2026, staying compliant with the latest USCIS rules is more critical than ever—especially with the July 31, 2026 deadline for electronic systems and ongoing enforcement by ICE and DHS.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the I-9 form 2026, including the current version, step-by-step instructions, acceptable documents, recent changes, remote verification options, retention rules, and common mistakes that could lead to hefty fines. Whether you’re a small business owner, HR professional, or hiring manager, this article will help you avoid compliance errors and maintain smooth onboarding.
What Is the I-9 Form and Why Is It Required in 2026?
Form I-9, officially titled Employment Eligibility Verification, is a federal form mandated by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. All US employers (regardless of size) must complete it for every individual hired after November 6, 1986, to work in the United States—including US citizens and non-citizens.
The form confirms that employees are authorized to work legally in the US. Employers do not file Form I-9 with USCIS or any government agency; instead, they retain it for their records and make it available during audits by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Labor (DOL), or the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Key 2026 reminder: Failure to properly complete, retain, or update I-9 forms can result in significant penalties (hundreds to tens of thousands per violation, adjusted for inflation). Recent ICE guidance has reclassified many paperwork errors as substantive violations with no 10-day correction window, making proactive compliance essential.
Current I-9 Form Versions and Important 2026 Deadlines
There is no new 2026 edition of Form I-9. The most current version is:
- Edition Date: 01/20/25
- Expiration Date: 05/31/2027
Valid previous editions (you may still use these until their expiration):
- Form I-9 (08/01/23 edition) valid until 05/31/2027
- Form I-9 (08/01/23 edition) valid until 07/31/2026
Critical 2026 deadline: If you use an electronic I-9 system, you must update it to the version with the 05/31/2027 expiration date by July 31, 2026.
Always download the latest form directly from the official USCIS website to ensure you have the correct version.
Minor changes in the 01/20/25 edition (effective since April 2025):
- Section 1 checkbox 4 renamed from “A noncitizen authorized to work” to “An alien authorized to work” (to align with statutory language).
- Revised descriptions for two List B documents.
- Updated instructions and DHS Privacy Notice.
These updates do not change the overall process but ensure statutory alignment.
Who Must Complete the I-9 Form?
- Employees: Complete and sign Section 1 no later than their first day of employment (but not before accepting a job offer).
- Employers (or authorized representatives): Complete and sign Section 2 within three business days of the employee’s first day of work.
This applies to all new hires, including part-time, seasonal, and temporary workers. Independent contractors and certain volunteers are exempt.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete Form I-9 in 2026?
Section 1 (Employee Information and Attestation)
Employees provide personal details (name, address, date of birth, SSN, contact info) and attest to their citizenship or immigration status by checking one of four boxes. They must sign and date it. If a preparer or translator assists, Supplement A must be completed and retained.
Section 2 (Employer Review and Verification)
Employers must:
- Physically examine (or use a DHS-authorized alternative/remote procedure) original acceptable documents.
- Record document details from List A OR List B + List C.
- Certify under penalty of perjury that the documents appear genuine and relate to the employee.
- Note the employee’s first day of employment and sign.
Supplement B (Reverification and Rehire): Use this for employees whose work authorization expires, rehires within 3 years, or name changes.
Important: The form is fillable online but must be printed for manual signatures unless your electronic system fully complies with 8 CFR § 274a.2.
Lists of Acceptable Documents (Updated for 2026)
Employees choose one from List A OR one from List B plus one from List C. All documents with expiration dates must be unexpired (extensions by issuing authorities are accepted).
List A (Identity + Employment Authorization):
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
- Foreign passport with temporary I-551 stamp
- Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) with photo
- Certain foreign passports with Form I-94 endorsements
- Passport from FSM or RMI with Form I-94
- Other specific documents (U.S. Citizen ID Card, etc.)
List B (Identity only):
- Driver’s license or state-issued ID card (with photo or key personal info)
- Federal, state, or local government ID card (with photo or key info)
- School ID with photo, voter registration card, military ID, etc.
List C (Employment Authorization only):
- Social Security card (unrestricted)
- Birth certificate issued by U.S. state/county/etc. with official seal
- DHS-issued employment authorization document
- Other specific documents
Acceptable receipts can temporarily substitute for lost/stolen/damaged documents (see M-274 Handbook for validity periods).
Pro tip: Provide the Lists of Acceptable Documents page (or link) to employees. Do not specify which documents they must present—this could violate anti-discrimination rules.
Remote Document Verification Options in 2026
Employers enrolled in E-Verify (in good standing) may use the DHS-authorized alternative procedure for remote hires: live video interaction plus review of document copies. Check the box in Section 2 if used. This has been permanent since 2023.
COVID-era flexibilities largely ended by March 31, 2026—ensure you follow current rules or complete physical re-inspection where required.
I-9 Retention and Recordkeeping Requirements
Retain completed Forms I-9 (including supplements) for:
- Three years from the date of hire, or
- One year after employment ends,
whichever is later. Store securely and separately from personnel files. Make available for government inspection upon request.
Common I-9 Mistakes and How to Avoid Costly Penalties
- Using an expired or incorrect edition of the form
- Missing deadlines for Section 1 or 2
- Failing to update electronic systems by July 31, 2026
- Not examining original documents (or properly documenting remote review)
- Discriminating by requesting specific documents or extra proof
- Improper reverification
- Poor record retention
Penalties range from hundreds to over $20,000+ per violation. Conduct regular internal audits and train staff using the official Handbook for Employers (M-274).
E-Verify Integration
E-Verify users must follow updated citizenship status language (“An alien authorized to work”). The system automatically aligns with Form I-9 changes.
Download the Official I-9 Form and Resources
- Current Form I-9 (Edition 01/20/25): Download PDF from USCIS
- Full Instructions: i-9instr.pdf
- Handbook for Employers (M-274): Available on I-9 Central
Stay updated: Subscribe to USCIS GovDelivery alerts for Form I-9 and E-Verify news.
Frequently Asked Questions About I-9 Form 2026
Is there a brand-new I-9 form for 2026?
No. Use the 01/20/25 edition (or valid prior editions until their expiration).
Can I use the old form after July 31, 2026?
Only if it has a valid expiration date (some 08/01/23 editions remain acceptable until 05/31/2027). Electronic systems must be updated by that date.
Do I need to re-do I-9s for existing employees?
No—only for new hires, reverifications, or rehires.
What if an employee’s work authorization expires?
Complete Supplement B (Reverification) before expiration.
Proper I-9 compliance protects your business and supports legal hiring practices. For the most accurate guidance, always refer to official USCIS resources and consult legal counsel for complex situations.
Questions about your specific I-9 process? Comment below or visit USCIS I-9 Central for the latest updates.
Last updated: April 2026. Information based on current USCIS guidance.