USCIS Unveils Voluntary E-Verify Self Check for Workers; Employers Reminded Not to Require Use

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began rolling out the use of E-Verify Self Check on March 21, a voluntary electronic service available to any individual who wants to check his or her own authorization to work in the U.S. E-Verify Self Check is currently available to users who maintain an address and are physically located in Arizona, Idaho, Colorado, Mississippi, Virginia, or the District of Columbia.  In the coming months, USCIS will continue to expand availability to users in other locations on a rolling basis. E-Verify Self Check was developed to address employer concerns regarding the inaccuracy of information in the E-Verify system that led to an increased number of tentative nonconfirmations.   As explained in a February 16 Federal Register notice, E-Verify Self Check enables individuals to check their work authorization status prior to employment and facilitate correction of potential errors in federal databases that provide input into the E-Verify process.  If the information provided by the individual matches the information contained in federal databases, a result of "work authorization confirmed" is displayed to the individual.  If the information is a mismatch, E-Verify Self Check will provide the individual a result of "Possible mismatch with SSA" or "Possible mismatch with immigration information."  It also provides instructions on how to request correction of these potential errors in records contained in these federal databases should the individual choose to do so before any formal, employer run E-Verify query process. While the launching of E-Verify Self Check has the potential to reduce the number of tentative nonconfirmations, employers are reminded and cautioned not to require applicants to self-check prior to applying for a job, as such a practice could violate the anti-discrimination provisions of E-Verify.  It is important for employers to remember that E-Verify may be used only for new hires (or certain existing employees pursuant to the Federal Acquisition Regulation rule covering federal contractors) once an offer has been extended and accepted, and an I-9 form has been completed. For an interactive self-guided preview of the E-Verify Self Check system, click here.  Individuals located in Arizona, Idaho, Colorado, Mississippi, Virginia, and the District of Columbia can use E-Verify Self Check now by clicking here.