In the ever-changing world of employment law and compliance, Form I-9 is one document that always seems to be under the microscope. If you’re an employer in the U.S., you already know the importance of properly verifying your employees’ work eligibility. But staying compliant isn’t just about doing things right once, it’s about keeping up with updates, revisions, and evolving government systems.
And yes, 2025 brought some updates. They may look minor on the surface, but they’re worth your attention, because messing up an I-9 form or your E-Verify submission can open the door to audits, penalties, or worse. So, let’s break down what’s changed, what’s in effect as of now (July 2025), and what you need to do to stay on the right side of compliance.
So, Has the I-9 Form Changed in 2025?
Yes, but not in a way that overhauls the entire process. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a revised version of Form I-9 (edition 01/20/2025) with an expiration date of 05/31/2027. This version aligns the form with current statutory language and includes some updated document descriptions and privacy-related text.
Here’s a quick rundown of the main changes:
- The fourth checkbox in Section 1 has been renamed to reflect proper statutory language. It now reads: “An alien authorized to work” (instead of “A noncitizen authorized to work”).
- Two documents in List B (on the Lists of Acceptable Documents) have updated descriptions, minor wording clarifications that still matter during audits.
- The DHS Privacy Notice has been revised and updated in the instructions section.
Now, if you’re wondering about whether you’re using the right form, you’re not alone. Here’s where things get a little technical, but stick with me.
Which I-9 Form Editions Are Valid Right Now?
As of July 2025, multiple editions of Form I-9 are still considered valid, though they differ slightly:
- Form I-9 (01/20/2025 edition) – Valid through 05/31/2027
Important: This is the latest version and already available for download. - Form I-9 (08/01/2023 edition) – Still valid through 05/31/2027
- Form I-9 (08/01/2023 edition) – A separate version also valid, but only until 07/31/2026
Important: Employers using this version must update their electronic systems to reflect the new 05/31/2027 expiration date by July 31, 2026.
Translation: If you’re still using the August 2023 form, you’re not out of compliance, but make sure you’re using the correct version of that edition and prepare to switch before deadlines creep up.
E-Verify & E-Verify+ Updates – Already in Effect
The big shift happened on April 3, 2025, and it’s already in play.
If you use E-Verify or E-Verify+, here’s what you’ve already seen:
- The citizenship status option that used to say “A noncitizen authorized to work” has been updated to “An alien authorized to work.”
- If an employee selects the old phrasing on their I-9 form for E-Verify (depending on which version you’re using), E-Verify will still register their status as “An alien authorized to work.” This avoids confusion and keeps things aligned with current laws.
- Even if your system input still says “noncitizen,” E-Verify corrects it behind the scenes. So far, no bugs. Just be sure your team is aware of the label change.
For E-Verify+ Users and Developers
This next part is especially relevant for companies using Web Services (WS) or advanced E-Verify integration:
- E-Verify+ now reflects the new form edition (01/20/2025) and expiration date (05/31/2027) within Form I-9NG.
- If you’re submitting cases through Web Services applications, the system automatically updates the employee’s status to match the statutory term (“an alien authorized to work”), even if the input still contains the old label.
- Developers don’t need to worry about changing the Interface Control Agreement (ICA). Version 31.1 already supports these updates.
- That said, it’s still smart to update your platform’s language so your inputs match what’s displayed in the system.
Bottom Line for Employers
These updates might seem small, and sure, no one’s rewriting the I-9 from scratch, but in compliance, language matters. Understanding I-9 Requirements for Employers is about catching the details: one mislabeled citizenship status, one outdated form version, one missed update in your E-Verify system… and suddenly you’ve got an audit trail no one wants to follow.
Here’s what you should do right now:
- Download the 01/20/2025 edition of Form I-9 and start using it if you haven’t already.
- Double-check which edition your electronic I-9 platform uses, especially if you’re still using the 2023 edition.
- Educate your HR and hiring teams about the updated wording in E-Verify and make sure no one’s confused by the terminology shift.
- Ask your developers to push updates if you’re using integrated E-Verify systems.
To learn more about i-9 supporting documents, dive into our in-depth blog.
Final Thoughts
Staying compliant doesn’t always require a massive overhaul, it just means paying attention to details, especially when those details change quietly. The updates to the I-9 form and E-Verify in 2025 weren’t loud or dramatic, but they still matter. A few changed words can mean the difference between smooth hiring and a compliance headache. Fixing i 9 mistakes early is also crucial to avoid penalties and disruptionsSo if you haven’t already taken these updates seriously, now’s the time. Download the new form, check your systems, inform your team, and keep your hiring process compliant, streamlined, and stress-free. For more insights on implementing effective wellness programs and HR best practices, check out our Human Resources webinars to stay informed and inspired.
