USCIS Introduces Updated Form I-9 with Remote Verification Option

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently released an updated version of Form I-9, which is a vital document used by employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of their employees. This updated form includes a new checkbox that allows employers to indicate the use of alternative verification procedures. Importantly, USCIS has approved one such procedure, which involves remote documentation and verification through live video for E-Verify participant employers in good standing. With the previous edition of the form set to expire in July 2026, let’s explore the intricacies of these changes and their implications for employers.

Changes in the Updated Form I-9

The updated Form I-9 now includes a checkbox for employers to mark when an alternative verification procedure has been used. This change reflects the growing acceptance of remote verification methods, thereby streamlining the employment verification process. Notably, USCIS has approved one alternative verification procedure: E-Verify participant employers may utilize remote documentation and verification via live video.

Transition Period for the Previous Edition of Form I-9

To ensure a smooth transition, USCIS has announced that the previous edition of Form I-9 will continue to be accepted through October 31, 2023. This grace period allows employers sufficient time to adjust to the updated requirements and update their processes accordingly.

Temporary Flexibility for Remote Document Verification

USCIS has granted temporary flexibility for employers to conduct remote document verification due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this temporary flexibility is set to end soon. Employers will need to adjust their processes to comply with the updated form and explore alternative verification methods.

Impact of Remote Verification for E-Verify Users

The continued availability of remote verification for certain E-Verify users marks a significant development in immigration compliance. This change is likely to have a profound impact on how employers undertake the I-9 process. Recognizing the significance of this shift, Avram Morell, a partner at Pryor Cashman, remarked that it is “probably the biggest thing to happen in immigration compliance in many, many years.”

Benefits of the Alternative Verification Process

The introduction of the alternative verification process brings several benefits for employers. Firstly, it can help reduce costs associated with staffing individual worksites with personnel familiar with the I-9 process or relying on vendors for physical document examination. By conducting remote verification, employers can save time, effort, and financial resources.

Best Practices for Employers Using the Alternative Process

To ensure compliance with the alternative verification process, employers are encouraged to maintain copies of employees’ documentation, both front and back, as evidence of a thorough inspection. Additionally, documenting the live video aspect of the process through methods such as printing meeting invitations or capturing snapshots of the video call can serve as valuable evidence in case of future audits or inquiries.

The updated Form I-9 introduces a checkbox for businesses to indicate the use of an alternative verification procedure and ushers in the option of remote documentation and verification via live video. As employers adapt to these changes, they must be mindful of the transition period, temporary flexibility, and best practices associated with the alternative process. Embracing remote verification methods not only helps employers save costs, but also ensures a streamlined and efficient employment verification process in an increasingly digital age. Employers should stay informed about updates in immigration compliance and implement the necessary changes to meet regulatory requirements.

Explore more

How Can Introverted Leaders Build a Strong Brand with AI?

This guide aims to equip introverted leaders with practical strategies to develop a powerful personal brand using AI tools like ChatGPT, especially in a professional world where visibility often equates to opportunity. It offers a step-by-step approach to crafting an authentic presence without compromising natural tendencies. By leveraging AI, introverted leaders can amplify their unique strengths, navigate branding challenges, and

Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus May Debut Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 Chip

What if a smartphone could redefine performance in the mid-range segment with a chip so cutting-edge it hasn’t even been unveiled to the world? That’s the tantalizing rumor surrounding Xiaomi’s latest offering, the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus, which might debut the unannounced Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, potentially setting a new standard for affordable power. This isn’t just another

Trend Analysis: Data-Driven Marketing Innovations

Imagine a world where marketers can predict not just what consumers might buy, but how often they’ll return, how loyal they’ll remain, and even which competing brands they might be tempted by—all with pinpoint accuracy. This isn’t a distant dream but a reality fueled by the explosive growth of data-driven marketing. In today’s hyper-competitive, consumer-centric landscape, leveraging vast troves of

Bankers Insurance Partners with Sapiens for Digital Growth

In an era where the insurance industry faces relentless pressure to adapt to technological advancements and shifting customer expectations, strategic partnerships are becoming a cornerstone for staying competitive. A notable collaboration has emerged between Bankers Insurance Group, a specialty commercial insurance carrier, and Sapiens International Corporation, a leader in SaaS-based software solutions. This alliance is set to redefine Bankers’ operational

SugarCRM Named to Constellation ShortList for Midmarket CRM

What if a single tool could redefine how mid-sized businesses connect with customers, streamline messy operations, and fuel steady growth in a cutthroat market, while also anticipating needs and guiding teams toward smarter decisions? Picture a platform that not only manages data but also transforms it into actionable insights. SugarCRM, a leader in intelligence-driven sales automation, has just been named