Last month, I wrote about saying Goodbye to the Outdated Paper Form I-9 Process – and for good reason. Paper forms are full of pitfalls:

  1. Human Errors & Compliance Issues – Paper forms are easy to fill out incorrectly, leading to compliance violations and potential fines.
  2. Lost or Misplaced Documents – Physical copies can disappear or get damaged, creating big problems if you’re audited.
  3. Missed Deadlines – A manual system makes it tough to track completion deadlines, putting you at risk of violating the 3-day rule.
  4. Cumbersome Verification Process – HR teams spend way too much time manually verifying and cross-checking employee documents.
  5. Storage & Security Concerns – Storing paper files takes up space, makes retrieval a hassle, and increases security risks.
  6. Audit Nightmares – If Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) comes knocking, sorting through paper files is a stressful and time-consuming task.
  7. Outdated Compliance Tracking – USCIS updates the Form I-9 regularly and keeping up manually can be a logistical nightmare.
  8. No Reporting Capabilities – Paper-based processes make it impossible to track compliance trends or generate reports across multiple locations.

It’s clear—paper processes belong in the past.

Why Go Digital?

Switching to a digital I-9 system eliminates risk, boosts efficiency, and gives employers a clear audit trail. But until recently, even digital solutions had limitations – like requiring in-person document verification. For companies with remote or out-of-state employees, this meant relying on notaries (where permitted) or outsourcing to firms like Equifax.

I suggested switching to a digital I-9 process to eliminate these risks and benefit in many ways.

Some employers, usually larger ones, use E-Verify to confirm that the documents submitted by employees are valid. E-Verify has a relatively new service called E-Verify+ which allows employers to verify documents by video.

Enter E-Verify+—a game-changer that brings I-9 and employment eligibility verification into one streamlined, fully digital process, now with remote video verification.

What Is E-Verify+?

E-Verify+ is the latest innovation from USCIS that simplifies and automates I-9 completion and E-Verify checks—all within your existing E-Verify account. It’s efficient, secure, and compliant with federal regulations.

How It Works: A Simple 5-Step Process

  1. Employer Initiates
    • Log into your E-Verify account and select “Create New Case”
    • Choose the E-Verify+ option
    • Enter the employee’s name, start date, and email
  1. Employee Completes Section 1
    • Employee receives an email to begin
    • Creates a my USCIS account and fills in their info
    • Uploads documents (e.g., passport, SSN card, or driver’s license)
  1. Employer Verifies Documents
    • Review employee submissions and inspect documents
    • Now allowed: video verification of documents
    • Complete Section 2, including required photo matching
  1. Sign and Submit
    • Electronically sign the I-9
    • Retain the completed form and any uploaded documents
    • The E-Verify case is auto-submitted
  1. Get Results
    • Receive the employee’s work authorization status
    • If authorized, the case closes automatically

Why It Matters

E-Verify+ combines two crucial steps—Form I-9 and employment eligibility verification—into one seamless digital experience. It helps employers stay compliant, avoid costly mistakes, and keep pace with today’s remote workforce realities.

Watch the E-Verify+ video overview here: New E-Verify+ Process

At JorgensenHR, we help businesses like yours stay compliant with everything HR—from audits and wage & hour reviews to misclassification and I-9 support. Need help navigating your compliance strategy or rolling out a digital I-9 system? Let’s talk.

Call us at 661-600-2070 or email info@jorgensenhr.com.


JorgensenHR conducts HR audits for legal compliance in the areas of wage & hour, exempt/nonexempt and employee/independent contractor. Contact us at 661-600-2070 or info@jorgensenhr.com.

    Have a question or are in need of HR services?