Employment Verification: I-9 and E-Verify Explained
Employment verification is the process an employer uses to confirm that a new hire is authorized to work in the United States. It involves two linked steps: the worker shows documents for Form I-9, and some employers also run the information through E-Verify.
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Form I-9
On Form I-9, the new employee presents acceptable documents proving identity and work authorization. USCIS sorts them into List A (identity and authorization together), List B (identity) and List C (work authorization). A birth certificate and an unrestricted Social Security card are List C documents, and they must be paired with a List B identity document such as a driver's license. The employee chooses which documents to show.
E-Verify
E-Verify is a web-based system that lets enrolled employers check an employee's Form I-9 information against Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security records. It confirms employment eligibility and typically returns results within seconds.
DHS says participation is generally voluntary. It becomes required for employers with federal contracts or subcontracts that include the FAR E-Verify clause, for employers in states that mandate it (for example, as a condition of business licensing), or when a legal ruling requires it.
The vital record link
A certified birth certificate is a List C document, so the version you present must be an original or certified copy from the issuing authority. Ask the issuing vital records office about its requirements for ordering a copy.
Frequently asked questions
Is E-Verify mandatory?
Generally voluntary, but required in the situations DHS lists, such as certain federal contracts and some state laws.
Does E-Verify replace Form I-9?
No. E-Verify compares information from the employee's Form I-9 with government records. The form is still completed first.
Can I choose my own documents?
Yes. USCIS says the employee decides which acceptable documents to present.
Sources
US Records is a private company and is not a government agency. Government agencies issue certified records; we help you order them.
Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
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