Federal Resources
- Forms.gov The U.S. Government’s Official Hub for Federal Forms
- Business.gov The Official Business Link to the U.S. Government
U.S. Department of Labor
Internal Revenue Service
- Home page
- Publication 15 (Circular E), Employer’s Tax Guide
- Form SS-4 Application for Employer Identification Number
- Form W-4 Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate
- Form W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
Social Security Administration
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. Small Business Administration
What is E-Verify?
E-Verify is currently among the best means available for employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.
Formally referred to as the Basic Pilot/Employment Eligibility Verification Program, E-Verify is an Internet-based system operated by U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
How do I register for E-Verify?
Employers may register online to use the E-Verify system by visiting the E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification Web page. After registration, employers must sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Upon completion and online submission of the Memorandum of Understanding, the employer will receive email confirmation of the company’s participation in the E-Verify program with their user ID and temporary password.
How does E-Verify work?
Once an employer has registered for E-Verify and after hiring a new employee and completing Form I-9, employers may submit an E-Verify query which includes sections of the I-9 form. The employer must initiate the query no later than the end of three business days after the new hire’s actual start date.
As a participant in E-Verify, employers are required to verify all newly hired employees, both US citizens and non-citizens. Employers may not be selective in who is submitted for verification. Additionally, participation in E-Verify does not provide protection from worksite enforcement. However, an employer who verifies work authorization under E-Verify is presumed to have not knowingly hired an unauthorized alien.
State requirements
Many states have specific laws and/or executive orders in force requiring the use of E-verify. Please check with your state Department of Labor to ensure that you are in compliance with the regulations in your state.
For more information
The E-Verify program is currently free to employers. For more information, please visit the official USCIS E-Verify Web page or call USCIS at (888) 464-4218.