The top industries currently using E-Verify include food services and drinking places, administrative and support services, professional and technical services, other information services, and clothing and accessories stores.

Previously known as the Basic Pilot Program, E-Verify continues to enhance its capabilities, accuracy and ease of use.  In 2008  the E-Verify system included naturalization data, which helps to instantly confirm the citizenship status of naturalized U.S. citizens.  Naturalized citizens who have not yet updated their records with the Social Security Administration (SSA) are the largest category of work-authorized persons who initially face a SSA mismatch in E-Verify. Additionally, a naturalized citizen who receives a citizenship mismatch with SSA can call USCIS directly to resolve the issue (in addition to the option of resolving the mismatch in person at any SSA field office).

Also in 2008 E-Verify added the Photo Screening Tool.The Photo Screening Tool feature allows an employer to check the photo on a new hires Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Permanent Resident Card (green card) against all of the photos stored in the Department of Homeland Security databases.  This additional feature will be the first step in giving employers the tools they need to detect identity theft in the employment eligibility process.

E-Verify is the best tool currently available to help employers hire a legal workforce and to weed out some cases of document fraud.  It isn’t fool-proof but it is over 90% accurate in determining the work eligibility of newly hired workers.

Federal contracts awarded and solicitations issued after September 8, 2009 will include a clause committing government contractors to use E-Verify. The same clause will also be required in subcontracts over $3,000 for services or construction. Contracts exempt from this rule include those that are for less than $100,000 and those that are for commercially available off-the-shelf items. Companies awarded a contract with the federal government will be required to enroll in E-Verify within 30 days of the contract award date. They will also need to begin using the E-Verify system to confirm that all of their new hires and their employees directly working on federal contracts are authorized to legally work in the United States.

 I-9 Okay is a designated agent for E-Verify.  If you would like more information about how your business could benenfit by using E-Verify please contact I-9 Okay.