DHS Extends Flexibility In Form I-9 Compliance Through September 19, 2020

On August 18, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced a fourth extension of its prior guidance relaxing the in-person verification requirements of Form I-9 for employers operating remotely due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The extension adds 30 days to the accommodation period and is set to expire on September 19, 2020.

While the original guidance was issued on March 19, 2020, and adopted for an initial 60-day term set to expire on May 19, 2020, the I-9 compliance flexibility policy has been subsequently extended in 30-day increments as employers continue to face workplace challenges while operating in dynamic and ever-changing remote environments. The latest extension comes at a much-needed time, as the previous 30-day extension was set to expire on August 19, 2020.