DHS Extends I-9 In-Person Verification Flexibility Until April 30, 2022

Dec 20, 2021

by Luke Phillips

On December 15, 2021, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced an extension of the flexibility policy regarding the in-person verification of identity and employment eligibility documentation for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, due to continued precautions associated with COVID-19.  The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will extend this policy until April 30, 2022.

Please note, this flexibility policy only applies to employers and workplaces that are operating remotely.  If there are employees physically present at a work location, no exceptions are being implemented for the in-person I-9 verification, unless newly hired or existing employees are subject to COVID-19 quarantine or lockdown protocols, in which case DHS will evaluate on an individual basis.  For the original guidance regarding flexibility in requirements related to Form I-9 compliance, please click here.  To read about the most recent extension, click here.

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Immigration  ““ The Firm represents businesses, institutions of higher learning, and individuals with respect to immigration-related matters, including obtaining visitor visas, temporary and permanent work visas, consular processing of visas, obtaining citizenship, advising employers on employment sanctions issues, and defending employers faced with INS I-9 audits and investigations.

Luke T. Phillips practices primarily in the area of immigration law, representing corporations and institutions of higher education with their immigration needs, including obtaining temporary and permanent visas, handling employer sanctions issues, I-9 and E-Verify employment eligibility verification compliance, consular processing, and naturalization.