At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented a temporary rule, allowing remote inspection of documents presented by employees if the employer was taking physical proximity precautions due to COVID-19. This rule, set to expire October 31, was recently extended through July 31, 2023.

According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements' website: "As of April 1, 2021, the requirement that employers inspect employees' Form I-9 identity and employment eligibility documentation in-person applies only to those employees who physically report to work at a company location on any regular, consistent, or predictable basis."

Whether the employee works remotely or in person, the document inspection must be completed within three business days of the employee's first day of work.