What Is E-Verify?

Abstract

E-Verify is free internet-based automated U.S. government program that lets participating employers electronically verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

E-Verify is a voluntary program. Employers who choose to utilize the E-Verify program provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each hire's Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) to confirm work authorization.

E-Verify system compares the hire's Form I-9 with SSA and DHS databases and provides verification results within seconds.

The E-Verify program is free and is the most reliable means available to determine the employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security Numbers (SSNs).

E-Verify is available in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

E-Verify goals are to:

• Help participating U.S. employers maintain a legal workforce by reducing unauthorized employment.

• Minimize verification-related discrimination and protect an hire's civil liberties and overall privacy.

While participation in E-Verify is voluntary for most businesses, some companies may be required by state law or federal regulation to use E-Verify. For example, most employers in Arizona and Mississippi are required to use E-Verify. E-Verify is mandatory for employers with federal contracts or subcontracts that contain the Federal Acquisition Regulation E-Verify clause.

For more information about E-Verify, refer to the following:

• E-Verify Website

• E-Verify Demonstration Video