E-Verify is an online system that helps employers confirm the work authorization of their employees, including professionals arriving on temporary visas such as the H-1B. The so-called ‘E-Verify number’ is not an employee document: it is the identifier that the company receives when it registers with the system.
This registration signals that the employer commits to checking the eligibility of those it hires, cross-referencing data with the databases of the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and the SSA (Social Security Administration).
In the context of H-1B, the visa is granted based on employer sponsorship and the requirements of the position, but participation in E-Verify reinforces the company’s commitment to hiring rules and helps lend greater credibility to the onboarding process.
Enrollment in E-Verify is voluntary for many employers, though it may be required in certain situations or in contracts with government agencies. Since rules vary, it is worth checking updated guidance from official sources and, when in doubt, consulting a specialist.
Learn more about H-1B
- Initial validity
- 3 years
- Extension
- Up to 6 years total
- Annual cap
- 85,000 visas
- Processing
- 6-12 months
About the author
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.