E-Verify
E-Verify is an online system designed to assist employers in verifying the employment eligibility of their workers in the United States.
What is E-Verify?
E-Verify is a free, web-based system run by the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration that lets employers confirm a new hire’s eligibility to work in the United States by comparing Form I-9 information against federal records.
Why does E-Verify matter?
Some states and federal contracts require E-Verify participation, and even where it’s optional, it gives employers an added layer of confidence in a new hire’s work eligibility beyond the I-9 alone.
How does E-Verify work?
After completing Form I-9, an employer enters the new hire’s information into E-Verify, which checks it against Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security records and returns a result, typically within seconds, confirming eligibility or flagging a mismatch that requires follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
Is E-Verify mandatory for all employers?
No, it’s mandatory for federal contractors and in certain states, but voluntary for most other private employers.
Does E-Verify replace Form I-9?
No, Form I-9 is still required for every new hire; E-Verify is an additional, separate check performed using I-9 information.
How BrightMove helps
BrightMove tracks E-Verify and I-9 completion status alongside every new hire’s onboarding record. Explore BrightMove for staffing agencies.