Government Shutdown also shuts down E-Verify
The partial government shutdown that took effect at midnight has shut down the Department of Homeland Security's worker verification system - E-Verify. The online system will not be accessible during the shutdown and DHS has also shutdown the customer service arm of the system. The announcement was made on the USCIS website.
During the shutdown, companies that use E-Verify will not be able to:
- Enroll any company in E-Verify
- Verify employment eligibility
- View or take action on any case
- Add, delete or edit any User ID
- Reset passwords
- Edit your company information
- Terminate an account
- Run reports
- View 'Essential Resources.'
USCIS will also be unable to assist in tentative non-confirmations and other service-related issues during the shutdown.
In the meantime, USCIS is suspending the "three-day rule", which requires users of E-Verify to check the worker eligibility of new hires within three days. They've also extended the period of time that new hires who receive tentative non-confirmations have in clearing up the issue.
USCIS has also made it clear to employers that they are not to take any adverse action against new hires regarding their workplace eligibility until E-Verify is back up and running.
For more information, see USCIS's E-Verify webpage.