The Coronavirus pandemic hit just about every facet of business hard, and the hiring process didn't escape. Regulations set beforehand are not realistic to enforce during the lock down and social distancing. A recent Data Facts blog post discussed DHS relaxing I-9 requirements due to COVID-19, allowing job candidates to complete I-9 forms remotely. 

Now the United States Citizenship Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that, as of May 1, 2020, 

Information about this change was originally posted on SHRM.org and can be viewed here.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will defer the requirements for employers to review Form I-9 documents in-person with new employees. The change applies to employers and workplaces that are operating completely remotely.

Due to COVID-19, employers will not be required to review the employee's identity and employment authorization documents in the employee's physical presence.