Confused About Employment I-9 Compliance? Meet Your New Best Friend: The M-274 Handbook

As an immigration attorney, I regularly help employers navigate the complexities of employment verification and I-9 compliance. One resource, surprisingly overlooked by many employers, is absolutely invaluable: the USCIS M-274 Handbook for Employers. I wish every employer knew about this hidden gem—so today, let's get you introduced.

What Exactly is the M-274 Handbook?

The M-274 Handbook is a free, easily accessible resource published online by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It’s specifically designed for employers who need practical and reliable guidance for filling out and managing Form I-9.

What's fantastic about this handbook is that USCIS keeps it regularly updated. In fact, the most recent update was on April 8, 2025—reflecting the frequent updates to the I-9 Form itself. When immigration regulations or form guidance changes, the M-274 reflects these updates—making it a continuously relevant resource for your organization.

Why You Should Bookmark the M-274 Handbook Today

If you're an employer working with diverse teams, the I-9 verification process can present unusual scenarios you might not encounter daily. The M-274 Handbook offers clear guidance on nearly any situation you're likely to encounter. For example:

• You might hire international students working on Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• You could have a worker with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and you aren't sure how to handle it within an I-9 context.
• Perhaps one of your new employees shows you an unfamiliar or unusual document as part of their eligibility verification.

These situations can raise questions or confusion—and that’s precisely when the handbook makes your life easier. It clearly outlines what you must do, details documents from Lists A, B, and C, and covers all those odd little I-9 scenarios you might encounter.

How I Use the M-274 Handbook (And How You Can Too)

Frankly, the handbook is so comprehensive that, as an immigration attorney, I've often answered complex client questions directly from it. You can also use it to quickly resolve confusion around I-9 compliance issues:

• Not sure if that unusual document your employee presented is acceptable? The M-274 handbook outlines what's acceptable clearly and concisely.
• Wondering if you're correctly completing the I-9 for a worker on OPT? You'll find the exact steps outlined in the manual.
• Struggling with employees who present Employment Authorization Documents (EAD)? The handbook has you covered there, too.

Providing Real Solutions: Your Practical Guide

As an employer, you have enough on your plate without I-9 compliance causing confusion and stress. The M-274 Handbook allows you to quickly and confidently learn how to verify your employees' eligibility to work in the United States.

Consider this your proactive, practical tool for day-to-day operations—keeping your team compliant, efficient, and confident in your documentation processes. It's genuinely one resource that every HR supervisor, hiring manager, and company owner should have bookmarked and ready to go.

Need Further Assistance with Your I-9 Issues?

First, check the Handbook! https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/handbook-for-employers-m-274

Even though the M-274 Handbook is highly informative and comprehensive, there still might be moments when you want some help from a real person. If you ever find yourself in a particularly complex or confusing spot regarding I-9 employment eligibility verification, reach out for professional help.

As always, I'm here to help my clients navigate the complicated terrain of employment-based immigration compliance. My goal as your partner is to empower your workforce decisions and ensure your business remains compliant.