How Does the E-Verify System Work to Document Worker Eligilibility?

Question: How Does the E-Verify System Work to Document Worker Eligilibility?

Federal law requires that employers document the eligibility of each new employee to work in the U.S. In the past, the I-9 form was used to present this documentation, but there have been problems with these forms, and they do not allow cross-checks with other government agency data bases. The U.S. Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) has a new Internet-based system which allows the USCIS to use government data bases to verify employee eligibility.

Answer:

Steps in the E-Verify Process

1. First the employer and employee must complete I-9 form , the Employment Eligibility Verification Form, no later than 3 business days after the employee begins work. The I-9 information is the basis for the E-Verify case, which must also be completed no later than 3 days after the employee begins work.
   
2. When the employer logs on to the E-Verify system, he or she is directed to follow Form I-9 in completing the E-Verify case, including employee citizenship, citizenship documentation, biographical information, and alien registration number, if any.
   
3. If the information matches that on the E-Verify system, the results will be displayed as "Employment Authorized."
   
4. If E-Verify cannot immediately confirm the employee's work authorization, the E-Verify system will show "verification in process." If the employee information does not match government records, a "tentative nonconfirmation" response may be seen.
   
5. The E-Verify case must be closed when the final verification result is received, regardless of the result. Once the case is closed, the employer must either record the case verification number on the employee's Form I-9 or print the case details and keep it on file with the employee's Form I-9.

For more information on the E-Verify process and how you can sign up to use the E-Verify system in your business, go to the USCIS E-Verify site.