In May, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced an extension of the flexibility in complying with requirements related to Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, due to COVID-19.
This temporary guidance was set to expire June 18. Because of ongoing precautions related to COVID-19, DHS has extended this policy for an additional 30 days.
This provision only applies to employers and workplaces that are operating remotely. See the original news release for more information on how to obtain, remotely inspect, and retain copies of the identity and employment eligibility documents to complete Section 2 of Form I-9.
Employers must monitor the DHS and ICE websites for additional updates about when the extensions end and normal operations resume.
E-Verify participants who meet the criteria and choose the remote inspection option should continue to follow current guidance and create cases for their new hires within three business days from the date of hire. Please see their COVID-19 webpage for more information. You can also view our Form I-9 Compliance COVID-19 Resource page.
Form I-9 Compliance LLC has “Remote Agent” Options Available for In-Person Verification “Now”
Employers can utilize a “Remote Agent” as their authorized representative to conduct an in-person “touch and Feel” document verification of a newly hired remote employee. Employers choosing this option can ask the employee to pick a nearby individual (perhaps a friend, neighbor, or even family member) with clear instructions on the completion processes that need to occur. The Form I-9 Compliance LLC remote agent option is integrated with its electronic Form I-9 which guides the agent through the necessary steps and prevents errors and omissions. Employers utilizing this remote agent option eliminates the In-Person Verification “Later” follow up requirements.
Contact us to learn more!
