Big news coming in about inspections of I-9 documents! Remote review of identification for I-9 paperwork is now allowed, which is a significant procedural shift that will better accommodate new hires and employers in this virtual environment. This option was allowed temporarily during the COVID pandemic; after a lengthy review process, the Department of Homeland Security released the final permanent rule on an alternative method for I-9 documentation review in late July.
With this new alternative method, employees hired after August 1, 2023 can have their I-9 documentation remotely reviewed by employers, if the employers have met certain requirements. To qualify for this alternative method, employers MUST meet all of the following requirements:
- participate in E-Verify
- Obtain, examine, and retain copies of all documents
- Conduct a live video interaction with the employee to review documents.
- Create an E-Verify Case if the employee is a new hire.
An updated I-9 was released by USCIS on August 1, 2023, and can be used by all employers immediately – this version must be used and noted appropriately if the alternative document review method is used. The previous version (dated 10/21/2019) can still be used for all employees through October 31, 2023, if the alternative method is not being used. The new I-9 must be in place for all employers starting November 1, 2023.
For more information about the process changes visit https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-related-news
To view or download the new Form I-9 https://www.uscis.gov/i-9
Are you an employer looking for employees? If you want to simplify your hiring process and let someone else handle I-9 compliance, contact Acloché today for all your workforce needs!