E-Verify Frequently Asked Questions

What is E-Verify?

E-Verify is an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows employers to verify the employment eligibility of their employees, regardless of citizenship. 

Who will be verified?

As an institution of higher education, SMU will exercise the option of only verifying new and current employees who are assigned to a federal contract. Verification will be performed by The SMU Department of Human Resources.

How does E-Verify work?

Federal law requires that all employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of all new employees (including U.S. citizens) within three days of hire. Employees are required to complete the Form I-9, and employees must provide employers with documentation establishing both identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

E-Verify allows employers to electronically compare employee information taken from the Form I-9 against records in the Social Security Administration databases and The Department of Homeland Security immigration databases.