The possibility of impending funding gaps will mean furloughs for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the respective shutdown of the E-Verify system, effective Friday, February 27, 2015 at midnight.
How does a potential DHS shutdown impact employers’ hiring practices and I-9 obligations?
Employers are still required to comply with all Form I-9 requirements, in accordance with The Handbook for Employers (M-274). Employers’ Form I-9 obligations are unchanged, and a furlough does not disrupt or affect the processing of Forms I-9 in the Accurate I-9 system.What should employers do about completing E-Verify cases during a potential shutdown?
Employers will not be able to create E-Verify cases during the DHS furlough. However, all Form I-9 records created during this time will be saved on your Dashboard and available for E-Verify processing once the government system is operational.
Once the E-Verify system is reinstated, the bulk processing feature will enable users to simultaneously submit multiple E-Verify cases. This feature helps facilitate the quick and efficient completion of open E-Verify cases, without burdening employers. To do so, simply visit your Dashboard and click the ‘Queries Awaiting E-Verify Processing’ link under the ‘Unprocessed E-Verify Queries’ section. You may either submit individual forms, or submit multiple forms by using the Bulk Process feature. Once submitted, cases will appear in the ‘Incomplete E-Verify Cases’ section. Additionally, any ‘Employment Authorized’ cases may be closed in bulk.
Note: Employers are reminded to continue completing Forms I-9 during the DHS furlough. Employers may then submit any unprocessed E-Verify cases once the government system is working.
Questions? Please contact Accurate Background client services at (800) 216-8024; customer_service@accuratebackground.com
