E-Verify is an online system that allows employers to check the employment eligibility of new hires by comparing information from Form I-9 with records from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The goal is to ensure a legal workforce, protect American jobs, and prevent identity theft and fraud during hiring.
While using E-Verify is voluntary for most businesses, some states require certain industries or all employers to participate. Employers can find out if their state mandates E-Verify by visiting the National Conference of State Legislatures website or contacting their state’s labor department.
The process begins when newly hired employees complete Form I-9 no later than their first day of work for pay. Employees must present documents proving their identity and authorization to work in the United States. They may provide either one document from List A or one document each from List B and List C, as outlined on page 2 of Form I-9.
After reviewing these documents, employers are required to create an E-Verify case using the I-9 information within three business days after the employee starts work for pay. E-Verify then checks this data against SSA and DHS records, typically returning a result within seconds.
Possible results include Employment Authorized, meaning the employee’s information matches government records; E-Verify Needs More Time or Case in Continuance; Tentative Nonconfirmation (TNC), which indicates a mismatch between employee information and government records; and Final Nonconfirmation if employment eligibility cannot be confirmed.
If a TNC occurs, employers must give employees a Further Action Notice with instructions on how to resolve the mismatch. Both employer and employee have ten federal business days to take action. If employees choose to resolve it, they must visit an SSA office or contact DHS within eight days. After review, updated results are provided. If discrepancies remain unresolved, employers should close the case and resubmit with correct details.
Employers are not allowed to take adverse actions such as termination or suspension until a Final Nonconfirmation is issued. If an employee does not attempt resolution after receiving a TNC, employment may be terminated without liability once the case is closed in E-Verify.
After a Final Nonconfirmation result, further review can be requested by calling E-Verify at 1-888-464-4218. The final determination will confirm either employment authorization or maintain nonconfirmation status.
In some cases, photo match may be required for specific documents like Permanent Resident Cards (I-551), Employment Authorization Documents (Form I-766), U.S. passports or passport cards. This step helps verify that photos on presented documents match those held by DHS.
Employers must retain completed Form I-9s for three years after hire date or one year after employment ends—whichever is later—and keep them for current employees throughout their tenure. Photocopying supporting documents is optional but must be done consistently for all employees if chosen.
To begin using E-Verify, businesses should confirm enrollment status online through available employer search tools and review checklists before enrolling via the official website. Setting up involves creating an account, entering business details, selecting access methods, agreeing to terms of use, saving necessary documentation like Memoranda of Understanding, designating at least one Program Administrator responsible for compliance oversight—and optionally adding General Users who follow program rules.
Those handling verification duties should receive training on both Form I-9 completion and E-Verify procedures. Participating workplaces are also required to display both an E-Verify Participant Poster and Right to Work poster onsite.
Additional resources include guidance pages such as https://www.everify.gov/employers/employer-resources-page , user manuals at https://www.everify.gov/about-e-verify/e-verify-user-manual , video libraries at https://www.everify.gov/about-e-verify/e-verifys-video-library , guides like https://www.everify.gov/about-e-verify/how-do-i/how-do-i-guides-for-employers , central support sites including https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central , updates on https://www.everify.gov/about-e-verify/whats-new , as well as specific instructions regarding natural disasters at https://www.everify.gov/employers/form-i9-and-e-verification-guidance-for-those-af .
For questions about Form I‑9 or E‑Verify processes, contact options include emailing I‑9Central@uscis.dhs.gov or E‑Verify@uscis.dhs.gov . Hotlines are available at (888) 464‑4218 for employers and (888) 897‑7781 for employees.
