At IDHR Consulting, we help businesses stay ahead of important changes that could impact how they hire and manage employees. This year, the federal government is putting more focus on immigration-related enforcement at workplaces, including a sharp increase in Form I-9 audits, fines, and oversight of employers.
If your company’s Form I-9 process has not been reviewed recently, now is the time. What used to be seen as routine paperwork is now a major area of risk, with real financial and reputational consequences if it’s not handled properly.
Whether you’re a small business owner, a growing startup, or managing HR for a larger organization, here’s what you need to know about Form I-9 in 2025.
What’s changed in 2025?
In June 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removed previous restrictions on workplace enforcement and has resumed targeting industries with large workforces for audits and investigations. As a result, employers are experiencing increased scrutiny and Form I-9 is typically the first document reviewed during these audits.
Civil penalties were also updated in January 2025.
- Small errors on the form (like missing signatures or dates) can cost up to $2,861 per form.
- Hiring someone who isn’t authorized to work in the U.S. can cost up to $28,619 per worker.
Even if you make an honest mistake, you could face major penalties. ICE can also show up without warning for an audit, and if your forms aren’t in order, your business could face public scrutiny or disruptions to operations.
Are you using the right form?
As of today, employers must use the 08/01/2023 edition of Form I-9. You’ll find this date in the lower-left corner of the form. This version is shorter, updated to reflect remote hiring options, and it includes updates to accommodate E-Verify+ for enrolled employers.
Don’t rely on older templates—using the wrong form is a common and costly mistake.
How IDHR can help
Staying vigilant and proactive in I-9 compliance is essential to avoid substantial fines and legal repercussions. Businesses should regularly train HR and hiring personnel to stay current on evolving regulations and best practices, and conduct internal audits to catch and correct errors before they lead to penalties.
At IDHR Consulting, we work with clients across industries to assess, audit, and strengthen their I-9 programs. We provide:
- Mock audits to identify risk
- Policy reviews for I-9 and E-Verify compliance
- Training for HR and hiring teams
- On-demand support for complex cases or government notices
Now more than ever, employers need to move beyond “check-the-box” I-9 practices. A proactive compliance program isn’t just good HR, it’s critical risk management.
Need an I-9 checkup?
Let’s talk. Schedule a call today and we can discuss your needs in detail.
