Fewer employers than initially proposed will be required to use the government’s electronic system for checking employees’ immigration status under a final Dept. of Homeland Security rule that takes effect on Jan. 15.

DHS had proposed that companies holding prime federal contracts over $3,000 would have to use the federal “E-Verify” system. But the final rule, published on Nov. 14, changes the prime contract level to $100,000. Business groups had lobbied heavily for a higher threshold. But the American Sub�contractors Association is disappointed that subs still will be subject to the $3,000 level.

DHS says companies enrolling in the program will have 90 days to begin using E-Verify, up from the 30 days initially proposed.