DHS Introduces Alternative Remote I-9 Verification Procedure And New Form I-9

While recent changes to the I-9 process may affect select employers, the release of a new I-9 form will present changes to all employers. Qualifying employers are able to utilize an alternative verification procedure to remotely verify I-9 documentation for employees. Employers qualifying for the alternative verification process may utilize the new procedure to verify employees that were previously onboarded remotely pursuant to COVID-19 flexibilities. A new Form I-9 edition has also been released that reflects the alternative verification procedure, among other changes. Additional details are below.

Alternative I-9 Verification Process

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule on July 25, 2023, establishing a new alternative to the physical document examination for Form I-9 verification for certain employers. Pursuant to the new rule, qualifying employers may verify I-9 documentation remotely, provided that specific document retention