The USCIS has proposed a new rule introducing the USCIS E-Verify Self Check program. This program enables individuals to verify their work authorization prior to employment, facilitating correction of potential errors in federal databases that support the E- Verify system. Using Self Check, individuals will first provide information to establish identity and work authorization – both of which are provided as part of the I-9 employment verification process. The idea behind the Self Check system is to allow individuals to ensure that the government databases are current before their information is submitted to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) through an employer's E-Verify process (for those employers enrolled in E-Verify). If the information provided fails to match up with the government databases, then individuals will be directed to the appropriate agency to correct their records. According to the new regulation, the individual is not required to correct the record mismatches that were identified by E-Verify Self Check.

USCIS is accepting comments from the public on this proposed rule until March 18, 2011, the same day that the system is scheduled to "go live". Using Self Check will not be a mandatory requirement for any individual, and no employer will be allowed to direct an individual to complete the Self Check process prior to employment.

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