WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW MAY COST YOU!

E-Verify is an Internet-based system run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in conjunction with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows an employer to electronically determine the eligibility of an employee to work in the United States.

According to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano, "E-Verify is a smart, simple and effective tool that helps employers across the country maintain a legal workforce."

E-Verify works by comparing the information entered on an employee’s Form I-9 with SSA and DHS records to verify the work eligibility of newly hired employees. Although not perfect, E-Verify helps guard an employer against hiring undocumented workers.

There is no charge for employers to use E-Verify. It is currently the best means available to determine the employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security Numbers (SSNs).

E-Verify is a voluntary program for most employers, however, E-Verify is required for employers with Federal contracts and/or subcontracts that contain the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) E-Verify clause. Also, many states have passed legislation requiring employers to use E-Verify. Check with your state's Department of Labor for more information.

An employer has the option to contract with an E-Verify Employer Agent. This allows the employer to verify employment eligibility without having to contend with the cumbersome process of signing up for E-Verify, taking the training and passing the mastery test.

Important Information for E-Verify Users

E-Verify User Manual for Employers

"Employee Rights & Responsibilities" - This USCIS video explains the rights of employees, particularly when an employee receives a message from E-Verify indicating there is a problem with his/her employment eligibility documents. Watch Spanish version.

If you work with Federal contracts, please read - E-Verify for Federal Contractors. USCIS summarizes important information for federal contractors and subcontractors about the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) E-Verify clause (June 2011).

4/18/2012 - House Judiciary’s Immigration Subcommittee Holds Hearing on E-Verify - Watch Video Webcast

4/18/2012 - DHS "Document Fraud in Employment Authorization: How an E-Verify Requirement Can Help"

2/15/2012 - USCIS Announces Expansion of E-Verify Self Check to all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands

9/2/2011 - Certain Social Security numbers are invalid or impossible to have. View the SSA online list.

USCIS Update 05/19/2011 - United States Citizenship and Customs Enforcement clarifies the Hire Date for E-Verify.

Office of Special Counsel: E-Verify for Employer Do's and Don'ts - revised 3/21/2011

Effective June 13, 2010, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) redesigned the E-Verify system. This update promises to make the program more user-friendly, enhance security, accuracy and efficiency. The modification aims to provide easy and intuitive navigation and new features to make it easier to use the system.

All current users will be required to take a short tutorial the first time you log in to the system. The tutorial, which will provide an overview of the changes, is expected to take about 20 minutes to complete. Existing user ID and password information will remain valid, and records previously entered into the system should continue to be accessible upon log-in.  

Allott Immigration Law Firm highly recommends you enroll in E-Verify. Take the tutorial as soon as possible so you are prepared for the next person you hire! 

The attorneys at Allott Immigration Law assist employers throughout United States with Employer Sanctions law and representation. We also advise clients on Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification compliance, conduct I-9 Audits and consultations. We will make sure your company is in full compliance with Form I-9 requirements.

Download the most current Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.

For more information about E-Verify for employers: