Employers were given flexibility to remotely review I-9
documents during the COVID-19 pandemic using E-Verify. Thanks to
the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's recent Final Rule, this option is now permanent, and
certain employers can continue verifying employees' I-9
documents remotely.
The new rule, published in the Federal Register on July 25, went
into effect Aug. 1, a day after the pandemic flexibilities were set
to expire. It will only apply to workers hired after the
regulation's effective date.
How Have I-9 Verification Requirements Changed?
The I-9 form is completed by employers (primarily HR
professionals) to verify the eligibility of workers for employment
in the U.S. In the past, employees were required to meet with their
employers in person to provide specific documents, such as social
security cards, passports, driver's licenses or permanent
resident cards, to prove their eligibility to work. The form I-9
was revised effective Aug. 1, 2023,
