Additional I-9 Compliance Extension Announced

On March 31st, 2021, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced an additional extension to Form I-9 compliance. This announcement is similar to extensions granted throughout 2020 involving Form I-9 compliance flexibilities during the pandemic. However, due to continued COVID-19 precautions, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will extend this policy until May 31st, 2021.

Background on Original Extension

Initially, on March 19th, 2020, due to COVID-19 precautions implemented by employers and employees, the DHS announced the original extension. Beginning that date, the agency would exercise prosecutorial discretion to defer physical presence requirements associated with I-9 compliance. In other words, when receiving and reviewing Form I-9 documents, the items would not need to be physically present. However, this temporary policy change only applies to employers and workplaces operating remotely. On the other hand, if employees are physically present, identity and employment eligibility verification extensions were not granted. Under the original extension requirements, employers in remote workplaces must inspect Form I-9, Section 2 documents remotely. Most importantly, they must obtain, review, and retain document copies within three business days to complete Section 2. Employers should enter “COVID-19” as the reason for the physical inspection delay in Section 2 Additional Information. The notation should happen once a physical inspection occurs after normal operations resume. After physically inspecting the documents, the employer should note “documents physically examined” with the date of inspection. The employer should either add the comment to the Form I-9 Section 2 additional information field or Section 3.

Employer Takeaways

In conclusion, employers providing remote work must provide written documentation of their onboarding and telework policy for each employee. This burden rests solely with the employers. Once normal operations resume, all employees onboarded using remote verification must report to their employer within three business days. Then, the in-person validation of identity and employment eligibility documentation for Form I-9 must occur. In the same vein that it has since March 2020, the DHS will continue to monitor the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The agency will provide additional or updated guidance for employers, as needed, regarding I-9 compliance. Accordingly, employers should watch DHS and ICE websites for other updates regarding the termination of any extensions.