By Vicky Petties
All U.S. employers are required to complete Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to verify the identity and work authorization of every new hire, regardless of immigration status. To support this process, employers can use E-Verify or the enhanced E-Verify+ – free, web-based systems that compare Form I-9 data with records from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA).
E-Verify Overview
Launched in 1996 under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, E-Verify was originally a voluntary tool to help employers confirm employment eligibility. While still voluntary at the federal level, some states mandate its use, while others restrict or do not require it. Employers operating in mandated states should understand how E-Verify+ works.
What is E-Verify+?
E-Verify+, introduced by USCIS in April 2024, is an upgraded version of E-Verify that integrates Form I-9 directly into the verification process.
Key Features:
- Employee Self-Service: Employees enter their personal information and upload documents directly. (E-Verify only allows input from the employer.)
- Automatic Case Creation. The system generates and submits the E-Verify case automatically.
- Real-Time Notification: Both the employee and the employer receive updates on verification status and next steps. (E-Verify only notifies the employer.)
- Portability: Verified employees can carry their status to future employers.
How E-Verify+ Works
- Employer Enrollment: Employers opt into E-Verify+.
- Employee Submission: The system sends a secure link for employees to submit their information.
- Verification: E-Verify+ checks the data against DHS and SSA records.
- Employer Review: Employer review documents (in-person or virtually), sign Form I-9 electronically, and retain the completed form and case details.
Adoption and Impact
As of December 31, 2024, over 5,000 employers had enrolled in E-Verify+, with 12,000+ employees creating accounts and 14,000 cases submitted. The system is expected to reduce errors and streamline compliance by allowing employees to input their own data.
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