E-Verify is the internet-based system through which employers can verify the work eligibility of new hires. Upon hiring a new employee, the employer checks the employee’s information against Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) and Social Security Administration (“SSA”) databases to confirm whether the employee is work authorized.

On October 6, 2014, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a press release on the launch of “myE-Verify,” a new website that allows employees and job seekers to set up personal accounts, use Self Lock, and access employment eligibility verification resources. myE-Verify accounts are currently accessible by individuals in AZ, ID, CO, MI, VA, and D.C. myE-Verify gives workers a free and secure way to participate in the E-Verify process by accessing features dedicated for employees, including Self Check and the Employee Rights Toolkit. For added security, individuals will have their identities verified through Self Check, in order to create a myE-Verify account. myE-Verify introduces the following new services:

  • myE-Verify accounts which allow employees and job seekers to set up free and secure personal accounts to manage the use of their information in E-Verify and Self Check through the available myE-Verify features.
  • Self Lock which allows individuals to lock their social security numbers to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent use within E-Verify. Users can proactively protect their identities from being used by others to illegally gain employment. Self Lock is available only to myE-Verify account holders.
  • myResources which is a section of the myE-Verify site that contains information in multi-media formats to educate employees about their rights as well as responsibilities of employers in the employment eligibility verification process.

myE-Verify accounts and Self Lock will initially be accessible to individuals in five states – Arizona, Idaho, Colorado, Mississippi, Virginia – as well as the District of Columbia. In future releases, USCIS will roll out myE-Verify across the country with plans for additional features focused on employees and job seekers.