Great Update to I-9 Verification Requirements
In May, we informed you in the newsletter that it was announced that employers in the United States will have until August 30, 2023, to physically inspect the identity and employment eligibility documents of employees whose Form I-9 was completed virtually due to COVID-19 flexibility provisions. Here is a link to the article in case you forgot: In-Person I-9 Verification Newsletter.
We told you that we would update you if there was any big news. Well, there was big news, everyone!
On August 1, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) decided to give the Employment Eligibility Verification form, the famous I-9 form, a bit of a makeover. Why, you ask? Well, they wanted to make it way easier for both employers and employees to figure out who can work legally in the U.S. Not just that, they also tossed in a new method for checking important work papers remotely. Let's dive into the details of these updates and see how they're changing the game.
The Remote I-9 Check Magic:
Okay, this is where we were hoping to see a change. There's a new way to check those important papers from a distance. If employers participate in E-Verify, they can now use video calls to give those papers a good look and say, "Yep, they're the real deal!" The employer needs to tick a box in Section 2 of the new I-9 form and hold onto a picture of the papers. In summary, being able to check virtually is going to save employers time and money.
Better I-9 Form:
The first thing you'll notice in the new I-9 form is how Sections 1 and 2 have teamed up to share a single page. This isn't just about saving space—it's all about making things smoother. The part where workers jot down stuff and the part where bosses do their thing are now on the same page, which should help keep errors and mix-ups at bay. Also, they've given the Preparer and/or Translator Certification their own little space in a Supplement A. And you know that Reverification and Rehire part? Well, it's now hanging out in a separate Supplement B. These changes should mean fewer mistakes and scribbles, so everyone's on the same page, so to speak.
Remembering the COVID-19 Days:
Now, if bosses used the video trick between March 20, 2020, and July 31, 2023, because of the whole COVID-19 mess, there's a bit of a twist. Some employers might have to do an in-person check later on. But don't worry, if they follow certain rules, they might just dodge that bullet. If they don't meet those rules, they've got until August 30, 2023, to get that real check done.
Wrapping Up:
So there you have it—employers can check those I-9s from far away. It's all about making sure everyone's on the same page when it comes to working legally. Small businesses should definitely get up to speed with these changes and see how they fit into their work routines. It's like leveling up in the real world! These updates are all about making things smoother and more adaptable, and that's a win for everyone involved in the world of work.
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