Working in the US: Here’s Why Foreign Workers Must Register With E-Verify+

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is modernising its employment verification process for foreign workers through the expanded use of its E-Verify+ system. 

In announcements made via social media, USCIS highlights the system as a central component in confirming employment eligibility, reinforcing the agency's commitment to accurately identifying and legally authorising new hires to work in the US. E-Verify+ builds upon the foundation of Form I-9, mandated by federal law, integrating it with digital identity cross-checking against Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) databases. 

This enhancement is designed to mitigate administrative errors and bolster identity security. According to USCIS, the completion of Form I-9 by employers and employees plays a crucial role in verifying employee identity and work authorisation. This verification process commences after a job offer, with a unique reference link provided to the employee to access their E-Verify+ case. 

The system prompts employees to input biographical data, immigration status, and supporting identification, which are then electronically cross-referenced. Employers receive alerts upon confirmation of eligibility, enabling final documentation review and I-9 form retention. A key feature of E-Verify+ is its capacity for continuity between jobs. Workers participating in the programme can maintain their digital records, updating only essential information when changing employment. 

The agency states that E-Verify+ empowers employers and new hires to collaborate electronically. The system accommodates direct uploads of temporary documentation, such as Form I-551 (Green Card) extensions via Form I-797 or I-797C, ensuring compliance across diverse immigration statuses. Employers can initiate cases up to 90 days prior to the start date, providing administrative flexibility. New hires receive direct email instructions for account creation and secure document submission.

In instances of discrepancies, employees are immediately notified and guided through resolution procedures. Both parties are simultaneously informed of conclusive outcomes, whether authorisation or final non-confirmation, completing what USCIS terms "a seamless digital process."

The expansion of E-Verify+ reflects the federal government's broader digital transformation agenda, signalling a shift towards more transparent and efficient immigration procedures at the workplace level. This modernisation aims to streamline the verification process, reduce errors, and enhance security for both employers and employees.