Use of the revised form is mandatory beginning on May 1, 2020. The revised I-9 form is now accessible online from the USCIS website.
The revised I-9 form is identified by the version date 10/21/2019, which is visible on the lower left corner of the form. The revised I-9 form only includes minor changes to country names listed in specific auto-populated boxes contained in Section 1 and Section 2 of the form. However, these changes are only visible when completing the form online, and not when using the pre-printed paper version. USCIS also updated the instructions to provide additional clarification about the use of authorized representatives and acceptable documentation, and to amend USCIS website addresses and the DHS privacy notice. Note that the detailed instructions are not attached to the I-9 form, but are accessed directly through a link on the USCIS website as a separate document, which is consistent with current USCIS practice.
Finally, although the current I-9 form with a version date of 07/07/2017 N is still valid, the USCIS recommends that employers begin using the revised I-9 form immediately, but no later than May 1, 2020.