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ARTICLE · 10 NOVEMBER 2026

Washington’s New Immigrant Worker Protection Act: Compliance Beyond Form I-9

Washington State's new Immigrant Worker Protection Act introduces mandatory employee notification and posting requirements for federal Form I-9 inspections, creating a dual-layer compliance framework that extends beyond traditional immigration documentation. Employers must now navigate both federal inspection protocols and state-specific employee communication obligations, with enforcement mechanisms that include private rights of action and substantial penalties for procedural violations.

United StatesImmigration

Washington State’s new Immigrant Worker Protection Act (IWPA) took effect October 1, 2026, adding employee notice and posting requirements tied to federal Form I-9 inspections. The law reflects a broader shift: immigration compliance increasingly requires employers to navigate both federal rules and state employment laws.

What the Law Requires

The IWPA applies broadly to employers with workers in Washington and imposes obligations when an employer receives notice of a federal Form I-9 inspection and after inspection results arrive.

Among other requirements, employers generally must notify employees within five business days of receiving a Form I-9 Notice of Inspection, provide specified inspection information, maintain workplace postings during the inspection, and notify affected employees within five days of receiving written inspection results. Notice must also go to employees’ authorized representatives, including union representatives where applicable.

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