DHS Extends Form I-9 Requirement Flexibility (Effective June 1, 2021)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced an extension of the flexibility in complying with requirements related to Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, due to COVID-19

This temporary guidance was set to expire May 31, 2021. Because of ongoing precautions related to COVID-19, DHS has extended the Form I-9 requirement flexibilities from June 1 to August 31, 2021.

Please see ICE's past news release for more information on how to obtain, remotely inspect, and retain copies of the identity and employment eligibility documents to complete section 2 of Form I-9, as well as clarification on this provision.

Employers must monitor the DHS and ICE's Workforce Enforcement announcements about when the extensions end and normal operations resume.

E-Verify participants who meet the criteria and choose the remote inspection option should continue to follow current guidance and create cases for their new hires within three business days from the date of hire. Please see E-Verify's COVID-19 webpage for more information.