The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has rolled out an updated rendition of Form I-9, returning the phrase “alien approved to work” and replacing it with “non-citizen approved to work.” This is a significant policy adjustment for international employees and American employers employing non-United States nationals.
Table of Contents
Meaning Of Form I-9
Form I-9, formerly the Employment Eligibility Verification Form, is compulsory for all United States employers. It confirms the recognition and job approval of every person employed in the United States, whether they are nationals or international citizens.
The employers and workers are required to fill out the form.
- Workers must present approved documents ascertaining their identity and lawful approval to get a job.
- Employers must investigate and record the information in these documents to verify that it is valid and pertains to the person employed.
Significant Changes To The New Form I-9
Below is what is new in the revamped Form I-9:
- Citizenship status wording: The fourth checkbox in Section 1 currently reads “An alien authorized to work,” superseding the former phrase “non-citizen authorized to work.”
- Updated document narrations: Two List B documents (utilized to ascertain identity) have revamped narrations.
- Revised DHS Privacy Notice: The directions comprise updated language to match national legal measures.
These modifications align the form’s language with existing United States statutes based on USCIS.
What Does “Alien” Versus “Non-Citizen” Mean
This phrase mainly affects the form’s language. Below is the summary for foreign employees:
- A modification in wording, not qualification: It is only a wording update on the form, ascertaining your identity and lawful job approval conditions have not been modified; your qualification is unimpacted.
- Knowledge is key: Section 1 of the new Form I-9 uses “An alien approved to work.” Choose this checkbox if it aligns with your status.
- Perception versus legality: “Alien” matches Form I-9 with lawful statutes, though some discover the phrase impersonal. The actual confirmation procedure and conditions stay the same.
Effect On Non-Nationals
The updated term could raise concerns among immigrants. In a 2023 update, the Biden government had formerly superseded the word “alien” with “non-national” to promote a more modern language across national agencies.
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Hence, the return of “alien,” a phrase based on immigration law, notifies an adjustment to traditional statutory language. For non-nationals, mostly international employees already navigating a complex relocation system, this may feel like a step backward regarding inclusive language and policy tone.
Knowing The New Form I-9 Versions
Maintaining a trail of form renditions is essential. Below is the current:
| Form Edition Date | Date Of Expiration | Status And Key Notes |
| 20/01/2025 | 31st May, 2027 | Current version. Currently obtainable from USCIS and presently authentic. |
| 01/08/2023 | 31st May, 2027 | Past version. Still approved for use until its date of expiration. |
| 01/08/2023 | 31st July, 2026 | Past version. Still approved for use until the date of expiration. |
Note: Employers using the 01/08/2023 rendition online must update their systems to show the 31/05/2027 expiration date by 31 July 2026.
Effect On Employers And E-Verify
Employers all over the United States are accountable for using the accurate Form I-9 and confirming the documents submitted by new hires. Systems such as E-Verify and E-Verify+ have also been updated, as of 3 April 2025, to show the “An alien authorized to work” language during the case-generating procedure.
This implies that HR experts and employment supervisors must ensure that their internal systems, documentation protocols, and worker onboarding procedures are current.
Meaning Of This For International Workers In The United States
If you are an international citizen hired in the United States, below is what you are required to understand:
- Remain informed concerning the new wording in Form I-9 to prevent confusion when concluding Section 1.
- Ensure your documents are authentic and approved under the revamped List of Acceptable Documents.
- While the term modification does not impact your legal status or job qualification, it is wise to remain current in case of policy implementation adjustments.
While the phrase “alien” stays lawfully correct, several people argue that its usage can feel outdated or stigmatizing. This return to more conventional language might be viewed as a reflection of wider political and cultural adjustments within the immigration approach.
Despite the terminology, international workers and United States employers are required to remain obedient to national employment processes. Keeping up with these updates guarantees easy job confirmation and prevents legal problems.
