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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that certain older E-Verify records will be permanently disposed of in January 2027, in accordance with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) retention and disposal schedule.
Employers enrolled in E-Verify have until January 8, 2027, to download records for cases last updated on or before December 31, 2016. USCIS will begin disposing of these records on January 11, 2027.
Employers should review their records and download any necessary historical case information before the deadline to maintain proper employment eligibility verification documentation.
Which E-Verify Records Will Be Deleted?
USCIS will dispose of E-Verify records that are more than 10 years old, specifically cases last updated on or before December 31, 2016.
The upcoming disposal follows the federal government’s established records retention and disposal schedule.
Once these records are deleted from E-Verify, employers should not expect to retrieve the historical case information through the system.
Important Dates Employers Should Remember
Last day to download records (DEADLINE: January 8, 2027)
Employers must download the relevant historical E-Verify case information by this date.
USCIS begins disposing of records (DISPOSAL: January 11, 2027)
E-Verify cases last updated on or before December 31, 2016, are scheduled for disposal.
How Can Employers Save Their E-Verify Records?
E-Verify program administrators can download the Historical Records Report to retain information about older cases before USCIS removes them from the system.
The report contains important case information, including:
- Basic company information
- E-Verify case identification numbers
- Case resolution information
Employers should download and securely retain the report before the January 8, 2027, deadline.
What About Form I-9 Records?
Employers also have responsibilities regarding Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.
USCIS reminds employers who have not already done so that they must either:
- Record the E-Verify case verification number on the corresponding Form I-9; or
- Attach a copy of the E-Verify case details page to the Form I-9.
Employers should also retain the Historical Records Report with their Forms I-9.
Importantly, the disposal of older E-Verify case information does not eliminate an employer’s separate Form I-9 recordkeeping obligations. Employers must continue following applicable Form I-9 retention requirements.
What Should Employers Do Before January 8, 2027?
To prepare for the upcoming disposal, employers should take the following steps:
- Review historical E-Verify cases. Identify cases last updated on or before December 31, 2016.
- Download the Historical Records Report. Have an E-Verify program administrator obtain the relevant records before the deadline.
- Review Form I-9 documentation. Confirm that the required E-Verify case verification numbers or case details pages are properly documented.
- Retain the records securely. Keep the Historical Records Report with the corresponding Forms I-9 and follow applicable retention requirements.
Taking these steps before the deadline can help employers maintain necessary documentation and avoid losing access to older E-Verify case information.
Key Takeaway
USCIS will dispose of certain E-Verify records more than 10 years old beginning January 11, 2027. Employers have until January 8, 2027, to download historical case information for cases last updated on or before December 31, 2016.
Employers should review their records, download the Historical Records Report, and ensure their Forms I-9 contain the required E-Verify case information.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which E-Verify records will USCIS delete in January 2027?
USCIS will dispose of E-Verify records for cases last updated on or before December 31, 2016, in accordance with the federal records retention and disposal schedule. - What is the deadline to download older E-Verify records?
Employers have until January 8, 2027, to download the affected records. USCIS is scheduled to begin disposing of them on January 11, 2027. - How can employers download their historical E-Verify records?
E-Verify program administrators can download the Historical Records Report, which includes company information, case identifiers, and case resolution information. - Do employers still need to keep Form I-9 records after E-Verify cases are deleted?
Yes. The disposal of E-Verify case records does not remove an employer’s Form I-9 retention obligations. Employers must continue maintaining Forms I-9 according to applicable federal requirements.
- What information must employers record on Form I-9 for E-Verify cases?
Employers must record the E-Verify case verification number on the corresponding Form I-9 or attach a copy of the E-Verify case details page. Employers should also retain the Historical Records Report with their Forms I-9.
To discuss how E-Verify recordkeeping requirements may affect your organization or employment verification practices, you may schedule a consultation with the Law Office of Jacqueline Lentini, LLC by calling 630-262-1435 or emailing jacki@lentinivisas.com.