Temporary Suspension of In-Person Inspection of I-9 New Employee Documentation Announced By DHS

Because employers are taking precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by having employees work remotely, the Department of Homeland Security will exercise discretion to defer the physical presence requirements associated with Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) under Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

What Employers Must Do Under the New Policy

Employers with employees who are remote for the purpose of exercising precautions due to COVID-19 will not be required to review the employee’s original identity and employment authorization documents in the employee’s physical presence.  However, employers must:

  • Inspect the Section 2 documents remotely (e.g., over video link, fax or email, etc.) and
  • Obtain, inspect, and retain copies of the documents, within three business days for purposes of completing Section 2.
  • Employers also should enter “COVID-19” as the reason for the physical inspection delay in the Section 2 Additional Information field once physical inspection takes place after normal operations resume.
  • Once the documents have been physically inspected, the employer should add “documents physically examined” with the date of inspection to the Section 2 additional information field on the Form I-9, or to section 3 as appropriate.

How Long Will the New Policy Last?

These provisions may be implemented by employers for a period of 60 days from the date of this notice OR within 3 business days after the termination of the National Emergency, whichever comes first.  

In implementing the new policy DHS instructs:

Employers who avail themselves of this option must provide written documentation of their remote onboarding and telework policy for each employee. DHS emphasizes this burden rests solely with the employers.

Once normal operations resume, all employees who were onboarded using remote verification, must report to their employer within three business days for in-person verification of identity and employment eligibility documentation for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.

Once the original documents have been physically inspected, the employer should add “documents physically examined” with the date of inspection to the Section 2 additional information field on the Form I-9, or to section 3 as appropriate. (Emphasis not in original) 

Any audit of subsequent Forms I-9 would use the “in-person completed date” as a starting point for these employees only. 

The new policy ONLY applies to employers and workplaces that are operating ENTIRELY remotely specifically due to COVID-19 or “stay at home” orders.

This provision only applies to employers and workplaces that are operating entirely remotely.  If there are employees physically present at a work location, no exceptions are being implemented at this time for in-person verification of identity and employment eligibility documentation for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.  (Note the italics in original from DHS; other emphasis added).  However, if newly hired employees or existing employees themselves are subject to COVID-19 quarantine or lockdown protocols, DHS will evaluate this on a case-by-case basis.

Employers may designate an authorized representative to act on their behalf to complete Section 2.  An authorized representative can be any person the employer designates to complete and sign Form I-9 on their behalf.  The employer is liable for any violations in connection with the form or the verification process, including any violations of the employer sanctions laws committed by the person designated to act on the employer’s behalf.” Our firm recommends making sure the person you designate is properly trained, or you may use our experienced I-9 attorneys.

Automatic Extension of Notice of Inspection (NOI)

Effective March 19, 2020, any employers who were served NOIs by DHS during the month of March 2020 and have not already responded will be granted an automatic extension for 60 days from the effective date.  At the end of the 60-day extension period, DHS will determine if an additional extension will be granted.

Going forward DHS will continue to monitor the ongoing National Emergency and provide updated guidance as needed.  Employers are required to monitor the DHS and ICE websites for additional updates regarding when the extensions will be terminated, and normal operations will resume.