Form I-9 is the Employment Eligibility Verification form by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This form is verification of the identity and employment authorization of each new employee (both citizen and noncitizen) hired after November 6, 1986 to work in the United States. Both employers and employees are responsible for submitting this required form soon after the new employee begins work. Originally the employer had to meet the employee physically to fill out paperwork before the new employee could begin work. When March 2020 rolled around with the COVID-19 pandemic, DHS decided to create flexibility with the form compliance. This flexibility allows employers whose workforce is working remotely to defer the physical presence requirements associated with the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) and section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Currently the DHS has extended the updated Form I-9 flexibilities until October 31, 2022, however, this may change in the future.
To read specific instructions regarding the Form I-9, click here. If you or your company have questions or a legal matter related to Form I-9, employment or labor law issues, please contact Anderson Jones Attorneys by email or phone at (919) 277-2541.