The “Tentative Non-Confirmation” or TNC is the 2nd most common response users see from the E-Verify system following the “Authorized to Work” response. The reason this is a “tentative” non-confirmation is that the system sees some commonality between the employee’s information and a record in the system. However, there is not enough coinciding information to allow for a match and a definitive system response. It is extremely likely in these cases that a typo exists somewhere in the employee’s data.
A TNC is typically the result of a clerical error in Section 1 of Form I-9. It is important that you double or even triple check the employee’s personal information in these cases before you continue processing the E-Verify case. Often, a typo in the entered information will halt the confirmation. Here are a few common mistakes to look for:
- Last name/first name backwards
- Social Security number typed wrong
- Incorrect date of birth
These seem like very simple errors not to make, but that is exactly why they are made. Whether caused by rushing, complacency, or unfamiliarity with the computer system these mistakes are common; so look for them.
After making corrections, return to E-Verify and continue processing the case. This will update E-Verify with the corrected information and hopefully change the case status to authorized. But remember, typos and human error can occur on both sides of the system. If you’ve checked and rechecked the employee’s information and can’t find a mistake, it is possible that the error exists on the government’s side. If you determine that the information in Section 1 is accurate and that the government’s data was entered wrong the employee will need to “Contest” their case status.
The final case result would determine the procedure to follow to “contest” the findings. Simply follow the on-screen instructions and print the necessary documents.
We will cover some of these case results in more detail a future issues.