Proposed Changes to E-Verify Information Collection Open for Comments
The government wants to change how it collects information for E-Verify, and you can share your thoughts now.
Affects: Employers, All immigrants · Source: Federal Register · Action may be needed
What happened
The U.S. government agency called USCIS is looking at changing how it gathers information for the E-Verify program. E-Verify is a system that helps businesses check if new employees can legally work in the United States.
This is a proposal to revise how information is collected, not a final new rule. The government is asking for people to share their thoughts and ideas about these proposed changes. This is called a "public comment" period.
This notice is the second time USCIS has asked for comments on these specific changes. The public has 30 days to submit their opinions.
By the numbers
- 1615-0092 — OMB Control Number for E-Verify information collection
The bigger picture
E-Verify is a system used by many employers to confirm that their new hires are allowed to work in the U.S. It checks employee information against government records. This helps make sure that only people with proper work authorization are employed.
Government agencies regularly review all the forms and information they ask the public to provide. They do this to make sure the process is clear, not too much work, and still meets its goals. This review of how E-Verify collects information is part of that regular process.
What this means for you
Employers
Employers use E-Verify to check if new hires can work legally. These proposed changes might affect how employers use the system or what information they need to provide. They should review the proposal and share their thoughts.
All immigrants
E-Verify checks work permission for everyone, including immigrants. These proposed changes are about how information is collected for the program, not about who can work. So, there is no direct change for you right now.
Green card applicants
No direct change for you. This proposal is about the E-Verify system used by employers for new hires, not about green card applications.
H1B workers
No direct change for you. This proposal is about the E-Verify system used by employers for new hires, not about H1B visa rules.
What you should do
- If you are an employer or have strong feelings about E-Verify, you can submit your comments to the government by October 13, 2026. Otherwise, there is nothing to do right now — just good to know about this review.
Key dates
- 2026-09-10: This notice about proposed E-Verify information collection changes was published.
- 2026-10-13: Last day to submit public comments on the proposed E-Verify information collection changes.
Words explained
- E-Verify
- A system that helps employers check if new workers are allowed to work in the United States.
- USCIS
- This stands for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a government agency that handles immigration matters.
- Federal Register
- This is a daily newspaper where the U.S. government publishes its new rules, proposed changes, and public notices.
- Public Comment
- This is a chance for people to share their opinions and ideas with the government about a proposed change.
- OMB Control Number
- This is a special number given to government forms and information requests to make sure they are needed and not too much work.
Common questions
What is E-Verify?
E-Verify is a government system that helps employers check if their new employees are legally allowed to work in the United States. It compares information from an employee's I-9 form to government records.
Do I need to do anything about this E-Verify change?
If you are an employer who uses E-Verify, you might want to look at the proposed changes and share your thoughts. If you are an employee, there is nothing you need to do right now, but it's good to know the system is being reviewed.
When will these changes happen?
These are only proposed changes right now. The government is collecting comments until October 13, 2026. After that, they will review all comments before deciding on any final changes. The announcement does not say when final changes might take effect.
How can I share my opinion?
You can share your comments online through the Federal Register website. The announcement provides a link and instructions on how to submit your thoughts to the Department of Homeland Security.
This is a plain-English explanation, not legal advice. Confirm with the official source or a licensed immigration attorney.