What's the difference between E-Verify and the Form I-9? [Video]

There are two tools available to employers for employment eligibility verification, with key differences between them that all employers should know. 

What are they, you ask? The Form I-9 and E-Verify. Both are provided by the federal government and both verify employment eligibility in some way - but that's where the similarities end. Besides the fact that one is a paper form and the other is an electronic service, there are a number of critical differences between the two.

For example, the I-9 is mandatory for all employers. Every time someone new is hired, a new I-9 is required. E-Verify, meanwhile, is typically voluntary. However, there are some employers, such as federal contractors, that have to use E-Verify. 

The I-9 doesn't require photo identification or a Social Security number, but E-Verify does. 

Also, E-Verify cannot be used to review expired employment authorization. However, employers must update I-9s to reflect expired documents.

Most importantly, E-Verify does not ever replace an I-9. It can be a helpful supplement, but should never serve as an alternative.