Written By ESR News Blog Editor Thomas Ahearn

 The public may provide comments on the proposed changes to the Form I-9 until April 27, 2016. Many of the proposed changes to the Form I-9 were designed to reduce technical errors and help customers complete the form on their. In response to the public comments USCIS received during the previous 60-day notice, USCIS has made further improvements to the proposed Form I-9. Key changes to the Form I-9 include:

• Validations on certain fields to ensure information is entered correctly.

• Additional spaces to enter multiple preparers and translators.

• Drop-down lists and calendars.

• Embedded instructions for completing each field.

• Buttons that will allow users to access the instructions electronically, print the form and clear the form to start over.

• A dedicated area to enter additional information that employers are currently required to notate in the margins of the form.

• A quick-response matrix barcode, or QR code, that generates once the form is printed that can be used to streamline audit processes.

• Requiring employees to provide only other last names used in Section 1, rather than all other names used.

• Removing the requirement that aliens authorized to work provide both their Form I-94 number and foreign passport information in Section 1.

• Separating instructions from the form, in keeping with USCIS practice.

• Adding a Supplement in cases where more than one preparer or translator is used to complete Section 1.

After the 30-day period ends and public comments are considered, the USCIS may make further changes to the Form I-9. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will review the information collection for approval. Once OMB approves the information collection, the USCIS will post the newly revised Form I-9 and form instructions on its Forms page and make the form available for use by the public.

Employers must complete the Form I-9 for all newly hired employees to verify their identity and authorization to work in the United States. Employment Screening Resources® (ESR) is a Designated E-Verify Employer Agent that helps employers with Form I-9 and E-Verify compliance to ensure that their employees are legally eligible to eligible to work in the United States. For more information about ESR, visit http://www.esrcheck.com/.