September 26, 2023
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it will release a new version of E-Verify in 2024. The system will prove quite different from the current one, as it would integrate the employment eligibility verification (Form I-9) process with E-Verify. The USCIS calls it E-Verify NextGen.
Employers must complete Form I-9 for all new hires; however, E-Verify is optional. This web-based system is optional and allows employers to verify the employment eligibility of their employees easily. Those using E-Verify input the information from Form I-9s and let the web-based system finish the process. A company’s Human Resources department currently handles much of the E-Verify process. However, the new employees would complete most of the process under the new system.
How NextGen Works
When using E-Verify NextGen, a new employee will input their biographical details and citizenship or immigration status. Afterward, they must provide identity documents on the secure, personal myE-Verify account. After completing these steps, the system will confirm their details and notify the employer.
The employer may examine the employee’s documents from here and verify the supplied information. They can review the details remotely using the new alternative verification method. This option requires the employer or a representative to attend a live video meeting with the employee while verifying the documents. After completing and submitting the provided information, the system will create a Form I-9 for the employer to download and retain.
The employee will receive a notification if the system finds issues with their employment eligibility. Resolving these issues must happen before the eligibility verification can continue. Typically, the employer participates in this process. However, E-Verify NextGen will have the employee work directly with the federal government to resolve potential mismatches. This change improves the process’s privacy and security, potentially resolving such cases faster.
Convenient Features
Another feature of the new system allows employees to reuse their verification for new employers. This change improves the current system’s process, which requires employees to create new Form I-9 when changing jobs. It would also remove the requirement for employers to submit new E-Verify cases.
The new system would save the employee’s submitted information in their myE-Verify account for future employers. It would allow employers to utilize a reference code to access the employee’s details, which they and the employer could update as needed. Afterward, the employer and employee could complete the E-Verify NextGen process and move forward with the hiring process faster.
Employers may struggle with the swift changes around Form I-9 and E-Verify. However, using an electronic I-9 management system could ease the process. Those using E-Verify can also find systems with E-Verify integration. This system provides step-by-step guidance and electronic storage for Form I-9s and related documents.