Becki Young Speaks to Law360 about Loosened I-9 Requirements due to Virus

Last week, the federal government announced it is loosening certain in-person form and document review requirement for employment eligibility verification. Employers are permitted to review I-9 eligibility documents electronically if their organization is teleworking due to the COVID-19 emergency. Typically, employers are required to review the original documents in person. Now, employers will be expected to conduct the in-person review once normal business operations resume. The agency also gave employers an additional 60 days to respond to audits if they were served with a notice of inspection in March, saving employers and their attorneys from having to collect physical documents when the CDC is urging Americans to stay home.

Last week, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also announced that it is suspending its premium processing requirement and temporarily issued a waiver allowing reproduced signatures on documents previously requiring original, “wet” signatures.

Law360 reached out to Becki Young for input on these temporary changes. “I think this will be a huge relief,” said Young of the signature waiver. “This is what we’ve been hoping for all week.” She also warned foreign nationals that, in light of recent events, green card applications may take longer than expected. 

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“Feds Relax In-Person Rules For I-9, Visa Forms Due To Virus,” Law360, March 17, 2020 (Beck Young quoted).