Remote I-9 Verification is Ending: Keep Your Business Ahead of the Curve

We're committed to keeping our clients informed and offering exceptional service in this ever-changing business landscape. At CS3 Technology, we believe that providing knowledge is key to empowering our clients. As a part of our service pillar, Engage in Knowledge Transfer, we strive to keep our readers informed about crucial updates that can significantly impact their daily operations. 

Today, we're sharing a noteworthy announcement about remote verification for I-9 documents

Deadline for physical document inspections of remote employees approaches.

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently announced that the flexibilities for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, would come to an end, and employers have until August 30, 2023, to complete in-person physical document inspections for remote employees who were hired during the flexibility period starting in March 2020.

To comply with employment eligibility laws, a physical inspection of relevant documentation is necessary. Employers should note this inspection in the Additional Information section of Form I-9. When needed, Forensic science discipline, including Questioned Document Examination (QDE) or handwriting analysis, can help verify documentation authenticity. Below is a brief summary of the steps for compliance:

• Conduct a physical inspection of relevant documentation
• Record the inspection date in the Additional Information section of Form I-9
• Utilize Forensic science techniques, such as Questioned Document Examination or handwriting analysis, if necessary, to verify document authenticity.

Stay Updated: I-9s and Remote Hires

This update emphasizes the importance of understanding the impact of completed I-9s and keeping them up-to-date, particularly with remote hires. If you're interested in learning more about alternative procedures allowing remote document examination for Form I-9, DHS has published a Notice of Proposed Rule-making and is anticipated to release a Final Rule soon. 

Keep in mind this is specific to United States employment eligibility law and related documentation, so be sure to stay informed on current expectations and regulations.

Staying up-to-date with employment eligibility laws and regulations is crucial for any business. As remote work continues to be the norm, it's more important than ever to make sure proper verification procedures are in place for remote hires. By staying informed and utilizing forensic science methods when necessary for document authenticity verification, employers can maintain compliance and avoid potential legal issues. Contact us to learn more and ensure your business is following best practices for employment verification.