E-Verify is the internet-based system employers use to verify an employee’s eligibility to work in the U.S. The system compares the information listed on an employee’s Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, to data in the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration databases to confirm employment eligibility. Many States require companies to use the E-Verify system for new hires and all companies with a federal contract containing a FAR clause are required to verify new hires and existing workers assigned to the contract.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that on June 22, 2014, E-Verify will release a new set of system enhancements. These enhancements include flagging duplicate cases, updating the Further Action Notices for Web service users and updating and validating user information when passwords expire. Additionally, users will be required to complete a refresher tutorial prior to accessing E-Verify functionality. Web services vendors will have 60 days to add all of these enhancements and testing requirement to their products.
For Companies that use E-Verify through a third party vendor (also known as a web services vendor) this system upgrade may be the first time your existing users are tested on their knowledge and use of the E-Verify program*. Once the enhancements are added to the system, users will have to pass the new test before regaining access to the E-Verify system. Employers must set aside time next week for their existing users to study the new enhancements and pass the test or lose access to the E-Verify system. Companies enrolled in E-Verify must complete their E-Verify queries for new hires by their third day of employment, so failure to plan for this new testing requirement could place companies in a position where they are unable to comply with E-Verify regulations.
