I-9 Compliance 2026: Navigating New Forms, Remote Rules, and the OBBB Enforcement Surge

The I-9 landscape has shifted permanently. As of April 1, 2026, the temporary flexibilities that allowed for unverified remote document review are officially expired. Employers now have two choices: traditional in-person physical inspection or the new DHS-authorized Alternative Procedure (live video exam), which is strictly limited to E-Verify participants in good standing.

This webinar provides a roadmap for 2026 compliance, including the mandatory transition to the updated Jan 20, 2025, edition of the Form I-9. We will detail how to avoid the new inflation-adjusted fines—which now reach up to $2,861 per paperwork error—and how to handle the mandatory "re-verification cleanup" for employees onboarded during the 2020–2026 flexibility window.\

Critical 2026 Compliance Deadlines

Section 1 Completion: No later than the Employee’s 1st day of work for pay.
Section 2 Completion: Within 3 business days of the employee's start date.
Remote Cleanup Deadline: March 31, 2026 (Last day to physically examine or "clean up" I-9s completed under COVID-era flexibility).
Mandatory Form Update: July 31, 2026 (All employers must use the 01/20/25 edition; older versions become obsolete).

Learning Objectives:

Execute the transition to the 01/20/25 edition of Form I-9 before the July 31, 2026, sunset of previous versions.
Implement the permanent "Alternative Procedure" for remote hires, ensuring all four mandatory steps (E-Verify, video call, image retention, and notation) are met.
Identify and correct "substantive" vs. "technical" errors to mitigate fine exposure during an ICE audit.
Manage the strict 2026 reporting deadlines: Section 1 by the first day of work and Section 2 within three business days.
Apply proper retention schedules (3 years from hire or 1 year from termination) using modern digital storage standards.

Information covered in the presentation:

Understand the purpose and legal basis of Form I-9
Review key 2026 updates to I-9 regulations
Learn how to properly complete and store I-9s
Avoid common mistakes that lead to fines
Explore best practices for compliance
Ensure compliance with finalized remote I-9 verification rules
Understand how E-Verify obligations differ from non-E-Verify employers
Learn why failure to download historical E-Verify records may result in significant penalties
Avoid compliance gaps that could trigger issues during a USCIS audit or ICE inspection
Protect your organization by understanding how missing E-Verify documentation can lead to enforcement actions

Who Will Benefit:

Employers of all sizes
Business Owners
Company Leadership
Compliance Professionals
HR Professionals
Payroll and Operations Professionals
Any professionals responsible for hiring, onboarding, or employment verification

HRCI Credits | SHRM Credits

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