What happens if I fail E-Verify?

If you receive a Tentative Nonconfirmation (TNC), you can decide whether to take action to resolve it and continue working while the mismatch is pending. If you choose not to take action or the case ends in Final Nonconfirmation, the employer may terminate employment. Follow the Further Action Notice carefully.

Can I be fired because of E-Verify?

An employer cannot fire you while you're contesting a TNC. If you receive a TNC and choose to contest, you have the right to continue working while resolving it. If you receive a Final Nonconfirmation (case not resolved in your favor), the employer is required to terminate employment. But this is uncommon.

How long does E-Verify take?

Timing varies. Many cases resolve quickly, but photo matching or mismatch cases can take longer. If you receive a TNC and choose to take action, you generally have eight federal government working days to contact DHS or SSA.

Does E-Verify check my criminal history or credit?

No. E-Verify only confirms work authorization. It checks your SSN, name, and work eligibility against SSA and DHS databases. It does not check criminal records, credit history, education, previous employment, or anything else. Employers run separate background checks if they want that information.

I'm a U.S. citizen. Do I still go through E-Verify?

Yes. All employees at E-Verify participating employers go through the process, regardless of citizenship. If a mismatch happens, you will receive a Further Action Notice and can follow the resolution process.

What is E-Verify Self Check and should I use it?

E-Verify has offered worker-facing tools that help people review their information before a new job, but those tools can change over time. The safest next step is to start from official USCIS or E-Verify worker guidance and make sure your name, SSN, and work-authorization documents are current before onboarding.

E-Verify Explained: What Workers Need to Know

Download app

Fact	Detail
Created	1997 (formerly Basic Pilot)
Managed by	DHS, USCIS, and SSA records
Cost to employers	Free

E-Verify Explained: What Workers Need to Know | Indeed Flex

How Does the E-Verify Process Work?

Here's what happens when your employer runs E-Verify:

Step 1: You complete Form I-9

Fill out Section 1 of Form I-9
Provide SSN if required by an E-Verify employer
Present acceptable documents to employer

Step 2: Employer enters information

Employer completes Section 2
Employer enters your information into E-Verify
This must happen within the employer's required timeline

Step 3: E-Verify checks records

System compares against:

SSA records
DHS records

Step 4: A result is returned

Result	Meaning	What Happens
Employment Authorized	You're verified	Case closes and work continues normally
Tentative Nonconfirmation (TNC)	Mismatch found	You decide whether to take action
Final Nonconfirmation (FNC)	Mismatch not resolved	Employer may terminate employment

Many cases resolve quickly, but mismatch and photo-match cases can take longer.

What Is a Tentative Nonconfirmation (TNC)?

If E-Verify finds a mismatch, you receive a TNC. But don't panic:

What Causes a TNC:

Name mismatch (spelling, maiden name, changed name)
SSN entry error
Date of birth discrepancy
Recent name change not updated in SSA records
USCIS records not yet updated
Citizenship status recently changed

Your Rights During a TNC:

✓ You can continue working while contesting ✓ You cannot be fired solely due to TNC ✓ You have 8 federal business days to decide whether to contest ✓ You choose whether to take action or not

If You Receive a TNC:

Employer notifies you in private
You receive the Further Action Notice
Decide: Contest or don't contest
If contesting, you have 8 federal business days to contact SSA or DHS

Two Types of TNCs:

Type	Cause	Where to Resolve
SSA TNC	Name/SSN mismatch	Social Security Administration
DHS TNC	Immigration record issue	Department of Homeland Security

Important: A TNC doesn't mean you did anything wrong. Records sometimes have errors, or recent changes haven't been processed.

How Do You Resolve a TNC?

If you receive a Tentative Nonconfirmation and choose to contest:

Step 1: Review the Notice

Your employer gives you:

E-Verify Further Action Notice
Specific instructions for your TNC type
Referral letter (DHS cases)

Step 2: Decide to Contest

You have 8 federal business days to decide
If you don't contest, employer can terminate
Contesting preserves your right to work while resolving

Step 3: Contact the Right Agency

For SSA TNC (Social Security mismatch):

Visit your local SSA office in person
Bring your Social Security card and photo ID
Explain the TNC situation
SSA will verify or correct records

For DHS TNC (Immigration records):

Call DHS: 888-897-7781
Or visit uscis.gov/everify
Provide case number from referral letter
DHS will investigate and respond

Step 4: Resolution

Agency resolves the TNC
E-Verify case is updated
Employer receives new result

Timeline:

Step	Deadline
Employer notifies you	Same day as TNC
You decide to contest	8 federal business days
Contact SSA/DHS	8 federal business days
Agency resolves	Usually 10-20 business days

During This Time:

You continue working normally
Employer cannot take adverse action
Document everything

What Is E-Verify?

Put Your Knowledge Into Action

Which Employers Use E-Verify?

How Does the E-Verify Process Work?

What Is a Tentative Nonconfirmation (TNC)?

How Do You Resolve a TNC?

What Is Photo Matching in E-Verify?

How Does E-Verify Work During Staffing-App Onboarding?

How Can You Check Your Records Before Applying?

Sources & References

E-Verify Explained: What Workers Need to Know

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

Keep Learning

Popular Searches