The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has extended a temporary policy allowing employers to conduct remote reviews of I-9 supporting documentation until December 31, 2020. The extension provides employers ongoing flexibility with regards to I-9 verification processes in light of the continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although employers may continue to inspect verification documents by fax, video, or email, physical inspection will still need to be completed within three business days of the policy’s termination or once normal business operations resume, which comes first.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also announced that it would continue to allow individuals to present, and employers to accept, the approval notice (Form I-797, Notice of Action) of an EAD, as a List C document establishing work authorization through February 1, 2021.
For a more detailed analysis of the policy, please review our prior blog posts on the original policy announcement and most recent extension.