Coronavirus Update: ICE Extends Form I-9 Compliance Procedures during COVID-19 Pandemic

ICE has announced today that it is extending its relaxed I-9 employment verification procedures for another 30 days, or until June 18, 2020. In normal times, when an employee starts at a company, companies are obligated to completes the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification. This verification is mandatory for all employees, including U.S. citizens. The procedure involves the employers filling out the I-9 form and verifying in person one or two pieces of government issued identification from the employee to prove the employee’s eligibility.

Under the new emergency guidelines, DHS is allowing the employers to review the identity and employment authorization documents remotely (video, fax, or email) in absence of the employee’s physical presence. When the emergency is over, the employer must physically review the documents in person with the employee present. This accommodation does not apply to employees and companies that are still presently working at the job site. These emergency guidelines are in place for 60 days, or 3 days after the national emergency is over, whichever comes first. The normal timeline for I-9 completion (the form must be completed by the employee’s start date and the document review must be completed within 3 business days of the employee starting) remains in place.

You can find key immigration information related to the Corona Virus below

• Top 10 Covid-19 Immigration Questions
• Implications of Layoffs for employers who have employees on H-1B and/or E-3 Visas
• USCIS announces flexibility for request for evidence (RFE) and Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)
• Information on Consular closures during Covid-19
• USCIS issues guidance on Remote 1-9 verification during Covid-19
• USCIS office closures due to Covid-19
• Can I apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits while on a Visa?
• Canada/U.S. Border Closures
• USCIS announces temporary suspension of premium processing
• What can you do if your ESTA is running out? 
• Travel Ban for Europe
• Stimulus Bill (All 800 pages)
• Information on Small Business Loans related to the Stimulus package
• USCIS to accept scanned/reproduced signatures instead of “wet” signatures on immigration petitions and forms
• Implications of furlough or termination if you are on a TN visa
• Does the Stimulus Bill impact my immigration status? Is there a public charge concern?
• Understanding the Stimulus Package for Small Businesses and the Paycheck Protection Program
• Small Business Administration COVID-19 Loans
• USCIS to Reuse Previously Submitted Biometrics to Process Work Permit Applications
• USCIS Temporary Office Closure Extended Until at least May 3
• SBA Loans and Public Charge Rules – Paychecks Loan Program and Economic Injury Disaster Relief Loan Program
• I am in the U.S. on H-1B visa and my employment was terminated due to the Corona virus outbreak. 
• I am in the U.S. on an E-2 visa, can I apply for loans under the Stimulus Bill?
• Does Covid-19 impact my obligations as an H-1B or E-3 Employer?
• I am in the U.S. on E-2 employee visa. Can I apply for unemployment benefits due to the Coronavirus?
• I want to decrease the salary of my H-1B employee, what is the process? 
• I am in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa and my employment was terminated due to the Corona virus outbreak.
• I am on an E-2 visa but cannot go back to my Consulate to Renew, what can I do? 
• I had to terminate the employment of an H-1B employee due to the Corona virus outbreak. What are my obligations as an H-1B Employer?
• If I get laid off or furloughed am I still eligible to get a green card?
• My status is running out and I cannot leave because of Corona Virus.
• Presidential Proclamation Suspends Some Immigrants from Entering the US for 60 Days but will have very limited Impact
• USCIS Extends Flexibility for Requests for Evidence and Notices of Intent to Deny
• I am in the U.S. on E-1 treaty trader/E-2 investor visa. Can I furlough my E-1/E-2 employees?

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