Differences between E-Verify and I-9

E-Verify is a program that employers use to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all employees. It is an electronic system that compares information from the employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment authorization. The E-Verify process consists of two parts:

1) Verification of Form I-9 documents by scanning them into an online portal;

2) Submission of the scanned image with other required information through an online portal for comparison against federal databases by DHS or SSA personnel.

1. Employers must initiate E-Verify before hiring or accepting an offer of employment. By contrast, employers are required to complete I9 notary verification requirements once a person is hired/accepted for employment, provided they appear as if they may be authorized to work in the United States. 

2. The E-verify program was established by Congress through the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) to help employers determine employment eligibility of new hires under certain circumstances. I9 verification services are required for all employees regardless of their citizenship status during four key steps in the pre-employment process: 

•  after receiving a job offer, but before being hired; 
•  within 3 days after starting work; 
•  within 3 days after completing the employee’s first Form I-9; and
•  within 3 days of either a change in employment status or a change in employer. E-verify is a voluntary program for employers , overseen by the Department of Homeland Security. Every day, more than 1,000 American employers voluntarily search their name on E-verify.

E-Verify is a system that employers can use to check the eligibility of new hires, but this isn’t foolproof. I-9s are required for all employees and must be completed within three days after hiring an employee or face penalties. PDX Signing offers both services as well as other employment compliance solutions.