U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently launched the trial for E-Verify+. If successful, it would become the next-generation model for the federal government’s employment eligibility verification platform. This new system fundamentally changes how employers and employees use E-Verify to verify the employees’ authorization to work in the United States.

The current E-Verify+ trial has integrated the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) into the online system’s process. Originally, employers had to complete Form I-9s separately from E-Verify for every new hire. This process required employees to complete their Form I-9 so the employers could enter that information into the E-Verify system and verify the work authorization for the employees.

E-Verify+ changes this process by having new hires enter their information directly into E-Verify+. This process requires the new hires to create an E-Verify account and enter their identification, citizenship or immigration status, and other necessary documentation. The employer will receive a notification once the system has verified the new hire’s employment eligibility.

The employer can complete the process by reviewing the documentation directly or through an authorized representative. Once completed, the E-Verify+ system will automatically use the employee’s submitted information to fill out a copy of Form I-9. The employer may access, download, and store this copy once it becomes available and present it during compliance inspections.

USCIS intends to involve employees in the process to a greater degree through E-Verify+. This change would allow employees to react to issues more quickly. For example, E-Verify+ would notify the employee when a mismatch happens. The employee can directly address this issue and have it resolved immediately. This change effectively removes the delay caused by relying on employers to act as an intermediary.

It also prevents data entry errors when transferring Form I-9 information into the E-Verify system. For example, directly entering information into E-Verify reduces mistakes that lead to mismatches. Avoiding such errors reduces delays for workers and employers.

The E-Verify+ system is in a trial launch, authorizing live testing and user assessment so USCIS can receive feedback on the new program. However, it remains uncertain when USCIS will officially launch E-Verify+. Many expect USCIS to wait until it accumulates enough suitable feedback. Waiting would allow USCIS to integrate changes to the system where needed.

It is critical for employers to comply with the I-9 process. This importance is why USCIS encourages employers to use E-Verify and, should it officially launch, E-Verify+. Until then, one way employers can ensure compliance is by automating the I-9 process. They can do so with an electronic I-9 management system. This system offers guidance through the process, an easy-to-use digital storage for all forms and related documentation, and an option for E-Verify integration for employers using E-Verify.

Learn more about automating your employment eligibility verification and ensuring compliance with I-9Compliance.

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