Form I-9 remote inspections continue

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that the March 2020 remote identification (ID) inspection policy has been extended again, this time through July 31, 2023. The DHS announced this initial flexibility in March 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and has issued several extensions and new guidance since then. What do you need to know as an employer? 

If you are an employer that is hiring fully remote employees, you are still able to inspect your new hire’s form of identification virtually. However, if/when the employees visits your physical worksite, they must bring their forms of ID that you previously virtually inspected. If you are an employer that has a hybrid or in-person work environment, this remote flexibility does not apply to you. 

For employers that are virtually inspecting documents, you must make note of the virtually inspected date in the “additional information” section on page 2 of the form. This is also where you will document the date that you physically inspect the ID. 

Employers utilizing this policy will need to be prepared to show a telework policy and proof of the remote onboarding process upon request from DHS.