USCIS Modernization: The Era of Remote Work Authorization Document Verification Begins August 2023

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant update regarding the remote inspection of work authorization documents for employers. Effective August 1, 2023, certain employers will be granted the ability to remotely inspect Form I-9 work authorization documents. This alternative procedure aims to streamline the verification process while maintaining compliance with immigration regulations. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how qualified employers can make use of this alternative procedure.

To be eligible for the alternative procedure, employers must be participants in “good standing” with E-Verify, the electronic employment verification system. Participants must have a proven track record of compliance with employment verification regulations. Qualified employers must use the alternative procedure consistently for all employees at a specific site. This ensures fairness and uniformity in the verification process.

Qualified employers may choose to offer the alternative procedure exclusively to remote hires, while still conducting physical inspections for onsite hires. This allows for flexibility in the verification process based on the nature of employment. Employers who were enrolled in E-Verify during the temporary flexibilities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and who created an E-Verify case for an employee whose documents were inspected remotely (excluding reverification), can use the alternative procedure until August 30.

To ensure that the presented documentation reasonably appears genuine, a qualified employer must examine copies (front and back for two-sided documents) of Form I-9 documents or acceptable receipts. This step helps verify the authenticity of the work authorization documents. A live video interaction must be conducted with the individual presenting the document(s). This step confirms that the documentation reasonably appears genuine and is related to the individual.

The qualifying employer must indicate on Form I-9, by checking the corresponding box, that an alternative procedure was used to examine documentation for Section 2 or reverification, as applicable. This step ensures transparency and accuracy of documentation. In compliance with applicable regulations, qualified employers must retain clear and legible copies (front and back for two-sided documents) of the work authorization documentation. This ensures that the employer has a proper record of the verification process.

In the event of a Form I-9 audit or investigation by a relevant federal government official, qualified employers must make available copies of the identity and employment authorization documentation presented by the employee. This measure ensures the employer’s cooperation and adherence to verification processes. To facilitate compliance, qualified employers must store clear and legible copies of the identity and employment authorization documentation presented by the employee for document examination in connection with the employment eligibility verification process.

The USCIS’s decision to grant remote inspection of work authorization documents by eligible employers introduces a modern approach to the verification process while still ensuring compliance with immigration regulations. Qualified employers can streamline their verification procedures by leveraging the alternative procedure outlined above. It is crucial for employers to understand and comply with relevant regulations to maintain integrity in the employment eligibility verification process and avoid potential penalties or legal issues. By embracing these guidelines, employers can successfully adapt to evolving requirements in the immigration landscape and maintain a secure and efficient workforce.

Explore more

Unlock Success with the Right CRM Model for Your Business

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, maintaining a loyal customer base is more challenging than ever, with countless tools and platforms vying for attention behind the scenes in marketing, sales, and customer service. Delivering consistent, personalized care to every client can feel like an uphill battle when juggling multiple systems and data points. This is where customer relationship management (CRM) steps

7 Steps to Smarter Email Marketing and Tech Stack Success

In a digital landscape where billions of emails flood inboxes daily, standing out is no small feat, and despite the rise of social media and instant messaging, email remains a powerhouse, delivering an average ROI of $42 for every dollar spent, according to recent industry studies. Yet, countless brands struggle to capture attention, with open rates stagnating and conversions slipping.

Why Is Employee Retention Key to Boosting Productivity?

In today’s cutthroat business landscape, a staggering reality looms over companies across the United States: losing an employee costs far more than just a vacant desk, and with turnover rates draining resources and a tightening labor market showing no signs of relief, businesses are grappling with an unseen crisis that threatens their bottom line. The hidden cost of replacing talent—often

How to Hire Your First Employee for Business Growth

Hiring the first employee represents a monumental shift for any small business owner, marking a transition from solo operations to building a team. Picture a solopreneur juggling endless tasks—client calls, invoicing, marketing, and product delivery—all while watching opportunities slip through the cracks due to a sheer lack of time. This scenario is all too common, with many entrepreneurs stretching themselves

Is Corporate Espionage the New HR Tech Battleground?

What happens when the very tools designed to simplify work turn into battlegrounds for corporate betrayal? In a stunning clash between two HR tech powerhouses, Rippling and Deel, a lawsuit alleging corporate espionage has unveiled a shadowy side of the industry. With accusations of data theft and employee poaching flying, this conflict has gripped the tech world, raising questions about