Categories Compliance News & Updates USCIS

I-9 Update: I-797 Approvals Can Be Accepted in Lieu of EAD Cards

Citing COVID-19, USCIS has been experiencing significant delays in issuing EAD cards. USCIS has therefore announced that I-797 approvals with a notice of action date from December 1, 2019 to August 20, 2020 are acceptable as documentation to satisfy work eligibility for I-9 purposes.

 

Employers should note that I-797 approvals can only be used to satisfy work eligibility, and not identity. If an I-797 approval is used for work eligibility, the employee must also present a List B document to prove identity. By December 1, 2020, employers must re-verify any employee who presented an I-797 approval.

 

We will continue to provide updates on changes to the I-9 process due to the pandemic. In the meantime, please contact your Graham Adair attorney with any questions.

Categories Compliance News & Updates

DHS Further Extends Flexibility in I-9 Verifications

On March 20th, DHS deferred the physical examination requirement of work authorization documents for Form I-9.? This allowed employers to inspect Section 2 documents via video link, fax, or email, as long as specific notation is entered in the “Additional Information” field on Section 2.? You can find our news alert on the initial guidance here.

 

Due to continued precautions related to COVID-19, DHS extended this flexibility for another 30 days to August 19th.

 

If you have any questions on how to complete the Form I-9 during these times, please contact your Graham Adair representative.