E-Verify

Overview

• E-Verify is an online employment verification system operated by USCIS in partnership with the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA). The program is voluntary in most instances and there is no fee.
• The E-Verify program is used by employers to verify the employment authorization of newly hired employees. Information about past employees or individuals currently employed is not run through the E-Verify system.
• Employers use a combination of information from the new employee’s Form I-9 plus other data that is input into E-Verify. E-Verify confirms whether the new employee is authorized to work and whether the Social Security number provided by the employee matches the SSA’s database. If there is any inconsistency between the documents the employee provided and the information they provided to the employer on the Form I-9, the employer is notified.
• It is important to note that E-Verify is voluntary and is not the law; the completion of the Form I-9 is the legal requirement. We ensure that during immigration compliance all your requirements are met.
• While using E-Verify is generally voluntary, there are circumstances where it is required. Companies that employ individuals on STEM OPT must be enrolled in E-Verify and must actively maintain their account. Some states require all employers to use E-Verify, and other states require it only if the company works on state or local government contracts. Companies that employ federal contractors or work on certain federal contracts often have to use E-Verify.
• An employer may opt to withdraw from E-Verify by notifying USCIS and waiting 30 days.

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Timeline

• Employers who enroll in E-Verify must use it only for employees hired after the date the company enrolled in E-Verify. Employers must not use it to check the employment authorization of current or previously hired employees.