When further processing is required for employment verification through the E-Verify system, it indicates that the initial automated checks were inconclusive. This typically happens when information provided by the employee does not exactly match records held by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS). For example, a transposed digit in a Social Security number or a slightly different spelling of a name can trigger the need for additional review. The employer and employee are then given a timeframe to resolve the discrepancy and provide supporting documentation.
A longer processing period allows for a more thorough verification, ensuring greater accuracy in confirming employment eligibility. This benefits both employers, by mitigating the risk of fines or penalties associated with employing unauthorized workers, and employees, by protecting them from identity theft or other potential complications arising from inaccurate information. Historically, employment verification relied on manual document checks, which were prone to errors and could be easily falsified. The development of electronic systems like E-Verify has significantly streamlined and improved the accuracy of this process, though instances requiring additional time for review still occur.
