What to do if…
your work authorisation or security clearance is suddenly marked under review

What to do now

1. Identify which system is driving the review (ask for the document).

   • Ask HR: “Is this an I-9 reverification, an E-Verify case result (like a mismatch/TNC), or something else?”
   • Ask security: “Is my security clearance eligibility under review, or is it a local access decision?”

2. If this is E-Verify and you received a mismatch/TNC: act within the employee process.

   • Ask for the Further Action Notice and read it carefully.
   • You have 10 federal government working days from when the TNC is issued to tell your employer whether you will take action to resolve the mismatch — do not miss that deadline on the notice.
   • While you’re resolving a TNC, you should have the opportunity to do so without adverse action because of the mismatch. If you feel pressured (sent home, hours cut, threatened), document it and ask HR to confirm the reason in writing.

3. If this is I-9 reverification: keep it clean and compliant.

   • Ask HR to confirm whether this is because a work-authorization document is expiring or because of an internal audit.
   • You generally get to choose which acceptable document(s) to present from the I-9 lists; the employer cannot require a specific document if another acceptable option is available.
   • Keep copies of what you present and the date you provided it.

4. If this is a security clearance review: use the correct channel first.

   • Contact your Facility Security Officer (FSO) (many contractor roles) or your agency Security Officer and ask:
     • Is my eligibility/access suspended, restricted, or simply under review?
     • What work can I do right now?
     • What do you need from me (updated information, forms, interview scheduling)?
   • Expect that DCSA (and many adjudication offices) will generally discuss clearance/adjudication status only with authorized security contacts, so route questions through your security office unless you’re told otherwise.

5. Stabilise your employment situation for the next 1–2 days.

   • Ask HR/security for a short written plan: “Can I be reassigned to non-sensitive duties or placed on paid admin leave while this is resolved?”
   • If you are locked out of systems, ask for written confirmation and what to do about timesheets and pay reporting.

6. Build a simple paper trail (this is low effort, high value).

   • Save: the notice, dates, names, what you were told, and what you submitted.
   • Write a one-paragraph timeline for yourself (keep it factual and unemotional).

7. Get targeted help if needed.

   • If you have a union, employee advocate, or counsel through an employee assistance/legal benefit, use them for process guidance.
   • For immigration-status complications, consider speaking to an immigration attorney before submitting anything beyond what HR/security specifically requested.