In March, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced a new temporary flexibility in complying with requirements related to Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, due to COVID-19.   This temporary policy was originally scheduled to last for 60 days, however, due to ongoing pandemic conditions, USCIS extended the policy several times, most recently until November 19, 2020. Today, November 18, 2020, because of ongoing precautions related to COVID-19, DHS has extended this policy until December 31, 2020.

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. Please recall that this provision only applies to employers and workplaces that are operating remotely.

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. 

DHS advises that it will continue to monitor the ongoing national emergency and provide updated guidance as needed.

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