Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced yet another 30-day extension of the exemption for the physical inspection of Form I-9 documents, until Sept. 19, 2020.
This exemption applies only to employers and workplaces that are operating remotely. The original news release explains how to obtain, remotely inspect and retain copies of the identity and employment eligibility documents to complete Section 2 of Form I-9.
Employers should continue to 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.
