E-Verify is an Internet-based system for employers to use to check the work authorization status of employees. Participating E-Verify employers enter information into E-Verify from an employee’s DHS Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification). E-Verify compares that information to federal databases to determine if that employee is allowed to work in the United States. If the data matches, E-Verify sends a message to the employer confirming employment eligibility. If the data does not match, E-Verify sends a message to the employer that the employee is tentatively not confirmed. To resolve the Tentative Nonconfirmation or TNC, the employee must visit a Social Security Administration (SSA) FO or SSCC within eight days to correct or update their records. If the employee does not visit a SSA office timely, the employer receives a Final Nonconfirmation (FNC), and under the E-Verify program rules, the employer can terminate the employee’s employment. For more information on E-Verify, TNCs, and FNCs, see RM 10245.015, Overview of the E-Verify Process.

Self Check provides U.S. citizens and non-citizens a way to confirm their own eligibility to work in the U.S. and allows the user to resolve any data mismatches prior to being hired or while seeking employment. A Self Check user enters the same information into Self Check that employers enter into E-Verify. The Self Check system compares the entered information against the same databases used by E-Verify. Self Check transmits the results to the user, not to an employer.

The primary difference between E-Verify and Self Check is that there are no potential negative consequences with Self Check. When a user submits a Self Check query and receives information that there is a mismatch with SSA records, they decide whether to visit an SSA office to resolve the mismatch. There is no time limit to resolve a Self Check mismatch.

The following chart highlights the differences and similarities between E-Verify and Self Check.