Skip to main content
The Alternative Procedure for Form I-9 is a remote document verification process available to E-Verify-enrolled employers in good standing. It allows employees to present their I-9 documents remotely instead of in-person.

​
Requirements

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the following employer requirements are in place for Alternative Procedure:
  • Must utilize E-Verify and be in good standing
  • Use live video to verify documentation appears to be genuine and relates to the individual
  • Must be used consistently for all employees in the same hiring category
  • Indicate that you used an Alternative Procedure on Form I-9
  • Must retain copies of documents, which is done securely through Symmetry I-9
Available for Supplement BEmployers can use Alternative Procedure to complete Supplement B, in addition to completing Section 2 of the I-9 remotely.

​
Alternative procedure in Symmetry I-9

If the employer meets the DHS criteria, follow the steps below to use Alternative Procedure for employees hired after August 1st, 2023.
  1. Document submission: employee uses Symmetry I-9 to complete Section 1 and uploads copies of identity and work authorization document(s).
  2. Virtual (Video) meeting: employee and a company representative with administrative access to Symmetry I-9 establish video conference.
  3. Document inspection: the employer company representative verifies that the documents uploaded into Symmetry by the employee appear genuine, related to the employee and match the documents presented over video conference.
  4. Sign Section 2: Company representative digitally signs Section 2 of the Form I-9 and checks the box indicating that the alternative procedure was used.
  5. Document Meeting Date: The company representative updates the Additional Information section of the employee’s Form I-9 with the video conference meeting date.
  6. Submit to E-Verify: Symmetry will automatically submit the information to E-Verify once Section 2 is completed.
Authorized Representatives cannot use Alternative ProcedureIf you have designated an Authorized Representative on your behalf to review an employee’s documents, they must do so in person. Alternative procedure is not available for Authorized Representatives.