Updates regarding the revised Form I-9 and new verification procedures and the availability of online USCIS appointment requests are included in the latest edition of the Immigration Insider.

Revised Form I-9 and Verification Procedures

As a reminder, the revised I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification form must be used by all employers by November 1, 2023.

In addition, new regulations provide a process for employers who are registered for E-Verify to continue to remotely examine identity and employment authorization documents. Note: This new process only applies to employers who are registered for the E-Verify program. In addition to being enrolled in E-Verify, employers using this process must examine and retain copies of all documents presented (which should be sent to the employer by the employee prior to the required live video call); conduct a live video interaction with the employee, wherein the employee will again show the documents; and create an E-Verify case if the employee is a new hire. E-Verify employers are not required to utilize this process and can continue to physically review documents – but the process used (remote vs. in-person) must be applied consistently and without discrimination.

Online Appointment Request

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a new online form for individuals to request an in-person appointment at their local field office without having to call the USCIS Customer Service Center. The appointment request form allows individuals to request an in-person appointment for green card passport stamps, Emergency Advance Parole, and case status inquiries. Note that it does not allow individuals to actually schedule an appointment, but forwards the online form to USCIS for review and if approved, scheduling. While individuals can request a specific date and time, there is no guarantee the request will be honored.