March 31, 2023

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a change that may benefit lawful permanent residents. According to the announcement, they may now receive temporary evidence of their status through the mail rather than by visiting a physical field office. In addition, lawful residents with this temporary proof may use it when completing the employment eligibility verification (Form I-9) and E-Verify processes.

Lawful permanent residents are entitled to receive evidence of their status. Sometimes, they may need this evidence when they do not have a lawful permanent resident card (Green Card), an Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90), or a Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (Form I-751). This evidence may also prove necessary during the processing of an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400).

Previously, these individuals had to appear at a field office to receive temporary proof of status. They would receive an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunication stamp (ADIT stamp) at the office. However, under this new process, lawful permanent residents may call a USCIS Contact Center to request temporary evidence of status.

The immigration services officer will verify the resident’s identity and mailing address. Should their residence qualify, the officer may send the proof via express mail from FedEx or UPS. However, the officer may schedule an in-person meeting to review the request if needed. Afterward, they will mail a Form I-94 with an ADIT stamp, DHS seal, and a printed photo of the resident taken from USCIS’s database.

Officers will also consider whether the employee has an immediate need to travel, an urgent need to begin employment, or if they need further verification or material. Should any of the above apply, they will schedule an in-person interview. Once done, Form I-94 will arrive by mail, with one exception: the printed photo will appear on the top right of the form, not the top left. This placement signifies a completed in-person form.

Employers can also use these forms in the same ways as the regular Form I-94. For example, they can use these forms as proof of status. In addition, it counts as a valid List A receipt for use in the Form I-9 and E-Verify process for verifying an employee’s work status.

As these changes clearly illustrate, employment eligibility verification is continuously evolving. The best way for employers to keep up is by incorporating an electronic verification system into the hiring process, like an I-9 management tool. This tool can provide up-to-date guidance and a suite of features to guarantee a simple and accurate verification process.

When it comes to your employees, automation makes eligibility verification quick and simple. Ensure compliance today with I-9 Compliance.

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