This page outlines the criteria for eligibility, payment procedures, trials, relevant links, statuses, and communications, and also includes a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.
Mercor Legal Referral Policy
To learn more about our referral process, refer to our detailed Legal Referral Policy document, available here.
Eligibility & qualification
What makes a referral valid
• The candidate has not been previously referred by any other individual.• Only the initial referrer qualifies.• A referrer earns under the earnings-sharing model up to the cap determined by the candidate’s first job offer accepted.
What does not qualify
• Sign-ups that are not ultimately hired• Referring a candidate who is already associated with a different referrer• Hours worked prior to the referral being officially recorded in the system
How Earnings Share Model Work?
Referrers earn 20% of their referral’s earnings — including hourly pay, bonuses, and one-time payments — up to an Earnings cap.
- Earnings Cap is determined by the FIRST job offer the referral accepts.
- It does not change whether the referral moves to a higher/lower paying project.
Hourly Contracts
Earnings cap is 4× the hourly rate of the referral.
Deliverable/Task Based Contracts
Earnings cap is explicitly set per contract terms.
Payments
1
Processing schedule
Work earnings are paid every Wednesday at 11:30 AM PST / 2:30 PM EST. Referral earnings for that work are paid every Friday at 11:30 AM PST / 2:30 PM EST.
2
Payment methods
• Stripe in most cases
• Wise when Stripe is not supported (for example, Brazil)
• Wise when Stripe is not supported (for example, Brazil)
3
Pending Referral Earnings
For hired referrals, pending earnings may appear prior to processing in the next referral payout cycle. If an expected payout does not appear after the applicable cutoff, please contact support.
Candidate Statuses (On Referral Dashboard)
| Status | What it means |
|---|---|
| Signed Up | The candidate registered via your referral link. |
| Application Started | The candidate has submitted application(s). |
| Application Completed | The candidate’s application process is complete. |
| Offer Extended | The candidate has been extended an offer by the project team. |
| Hired | The candidate is working — you are earning; the dashboard shows your earnings, progress toward cap, and the earnings cap. |
| Paid | The referrer has been paid for the candidate’s referral. |
Referrals Migration
Applicable to all referrals in Hired status who were active during the transition to the New Referral Program on January 14, 2026. How do payouts work for existing hired referrals during the migration? To ensure fairness during the transition, existing hired referrals will be paid based on their progress so far, using the higher of the original promised rate or the new system rate.Example 1: Original rate is higher
Referral hired for $50/hr with a $120 bonus (upon 10 hrs).Referral worked 7 hours.
- Old system payout: $0 (bonus only paid after 10 hours)
- Original promised rate: $120 ÷ 10 = $12/hr
- New system rate: $50 × 20% = $10/hr
Example 2: New rate is higher
Referral hired for $50/hr with a $80 bonus (upon 10 hrs).Referral worked 7 hours.
- Old system payout: $0 (bonus only paid after 10 hours)
- Original promised rate: $80 ÷ 10= $8/hr
- New system rate: $50 × 20% = $10/hr
FAQs
Have questions? Check out our FAQs related to the Legal Referral Policy below.Eligibility & Qualification
Where can I find my own Referral Link?
Where can I find my own Referral Link?
At the bottom of each job listing, you will find your unique referral link, facilitating the sharing of opportunities with your friends, colleagues, or professional network.Any individual who submits an application via your link shall be linked to your account (subject to program eligibility rules).
When do I qualify to earn referral earnings?
When do I qualify to earn referral earnings?
You begin earning under the earnings-sharing model when your referred candidate is hired and begins billable work. You earn 20% of what they earn (including hourly pay, bonuses, and one-time payments) until you reach the Earnings cap.
What if my referral already worked with Mercor?
What if my referral already worked with Mercor?
Referrals are only valid if the candidate was not already working with Mercor prior to being linked to a referrer, and if they were not previously referred by another individual.
Do I get paid if someone signs up with my link but does not get hired?
Do I get paid if someone signs up with my link but does not get hired?
No. Earnings-sharing applies only when the candidate is hired (after the referral event) and begins billable work.
What happens if multiple people refer the same candidate?
What happens if multiple people refer the same candidate?
Only the first person who referred the said candidate is eligible to take part in the earnings-sharing model.
Do we hire candidates from all countries?
Do we hire candidates from all countries?
Mercor operates on a global scale.
- If a job listing specifies a region, only candidates from that region will be eligible.
- In the absence of location information in a job listing, it may be assumed that the position is accessible to candidates within the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or the European Union by default.
Will I get paid twice if my referral is hired for multiple projects?
Will I get paid twice if my referral is hired for multiple projects?
You do not receive “multiple bonuses.” Instead, you earn 20% across all their projects until you reach your Earnings cap (Earnings cap is locked to their first accepted offer).
Do referrals expire?
Do referrals expire?
Referrals are subject to program rules on attribution windows. (If the program applies an attribution window, it is enforced by the platform.)
Do referrals apply to all listings or only specific ones?
Do referrals apply to all listings or only specific ones?
Referrals are applicable universally. Earnings-sharing accrues across the referral’s projects until the cap is reached.
What are reasons that would make me ineligible for referral earnings?
What are reasons that would make me ineligible for referral earnings?
- Engaging in any activity that contravenes our Referral Policies.
- Referring to yourself (e.g., making duplicate accounts and using your own link).
- If your referred user does not utilize your customized referral link at the time of application.
- If the user you referred was previously employed prior to utilizing your referral link (please do not be concerned — in such cases, you will still remain eligible for their subsequent contract with Mercor).
- If your referred user has not been employed at Mercor.
Why are some of my referred users linked to another referrer, and can you reassign them to me?
Why are some of my referred users linked to another referrer, and can you reassign them to me?
Do note that referral associations are created only when a user explicitly consents through the referral link process. Mercor’s referral program is fully automated and based on user consent—we do not manually override these associations. In the event of a referral dispute raised, Talent Success will review evidence and (in exceptional cases) reassign and backdate attribution.
My referee did not use the referral link I shared. Can you add them manually and backdate the referral so I can receive the earnings?
My referee did not use the referral link I shared. Can you add them manually and backdate the referral so I can receive the earnings?
I referred a candidate, but someone else received the referral earnings. What can I do?
I referred a candidate, but someone else received the referral earnings. What can I do?
Referral earnings are awarded based on the referral link used during the candidate’s signup process on Mercor platform (https://work.mercor.com/).It’s the referrer’s responsibility to ensure that their contacts use the correct referral link and appear on their referral dashboard. In this case the referral bonus for that candidate will be paid out to the referrer whose link the candidate used during the sign-up process, If no referral link is used by the talent then no referral earnings amount will be issued.
My Project Manager gave me the referral link, but I can't see the referee under my list. Will I still get the earnings since it wasn't my error?
My Project Manager gave me the referral link, but I can't see the referee under my list. Will I still get the earnings since it wasn't my error?
Please note, each referrer has a unique referral link that they must generate from their Mercor account. It’s the referrer’s responsibility to ensure that their contacts use the right link and appear on their referral dashboard.Since we’re unable to manually add or backdate referrals, earnigs cannot be issued for referrals not properly linked through your dashboard. Referral earnings eligibility only applies when the referral is submitted using the correct referral link associated with your Mercor dashboard.
What is the LinkedIn Automatch Feature?
What is the LinkedIn Automatch Feature?
The LinkedIn Automatch feature is available on your Referral Dashboard. To use it, simply download your contacts list from LinkedIn and upload the unedited file when prompted via the LinkedIn Invite button on your Referral Dashboard. Within a few minutes, you’ll receive an email from Mercor containing recommendations of people in your network who may be a great fit for open roles at Mercor.Please note that Mercor will not contact your connections directly during this process. You’ll need to manually send referral invitations to the suggested contacts yourself.Here is a Help Article on how to export connections from LinkedIn.
Can I refer someone using my C-mercor email?
Can I refer someone using my C-mercor email?
No, you are not permitted to use C-mercor emails to create accounts on work.mercor.com for referral purposes. These email addresses are provisioned solely for Mercor contract work and are not intended for personal account management.Please note that any referrals submitted using C-mercor accounts will not be processed.
Do referrals from Mercor experts perform better than referrals from non-experts?
Do referrals from Mercor experts perform better than referrals from non-experts?
All candidates are evaluated on their individual qualifications, experience, and interview performance. This ensures that every referral is assessed fairly and independently, regardless of whether it comes from an existing Mercor expert.
Can I receive referral earnings without being employed by Mercor?
Can I receive referral earnings without being employed by Mercor?
Yes. You do not need to be employed by Mercor to participate in the Referral Program or to receive referral earnings. The program is designed to encourage anyone who can refer candidates who are the best fit for the role. Referrers are rewarded for each successful placement, regardless of the employment status of the referred candidate.
Payments
When are referral earnings paid?
When are referral earnings paid?
Work earnings are paid every Wednesday at 11:30 AM PST / 2:30 PM EST, and referral earnings for that work are paid every Friday at 11:30 AM PST / 2:30 PM EST.
How are payments made?
How are payments made?
What does it mean if earnings are pending?
What does it mean if earnings are pending?
Pending earnings reflect amounts accrued but not yet processed in the following scheduled referral payout cycle.
Are there tax implications for referral earnings?
Are there tax implications for referral earnings?
Yes. As outlined in Section 3.4 of the Referral Terms and Conditions, participants are solely responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes related to their referral earnings. Mercor does not withhold taxes on Referral/Placement Fees. This means you, as a referrer, must independently manage and report any tax obligations associated with your referral income.
Work trials & projects
What is a work trial?
Certain positions initiate with a paid six-hour onboarding process to evaluate candidates.
Do trial hours count?
No. Work trials do not count for referral earnings-sharing.
How long until the referred candidate is hired?
How long until the referred candidate is hired?
Hiring timelines fluctuate depending on the urgency associated with the role, the volume of applications received, and the quality of candidates. Candidates of higher quality are typically anticipated to secure employment more rapidly.
Why was my referral’s offer cancelled?
Why was my referral’s offer cancelled?
Offers may be canceled if the candidate fails to meet project requirements, does not accept the offer within the designated timeframe, or if the project needs evolve. Such instances are infrequent, and candidates are notified of the reason for the cancellation.
What is ‘Mercor Listing’ in my Referral Section?
What is ‘Mercor Listing’ in my Referral Section?
If a job listing has been closed or expired, it will be displayed as ‘Mercor Listing’. This indicates that the application of the user you referred to was not taken into account.
Referral Links & Tracking
Do I need to keep UTM parameters (utm_source=referral...) in the link?
Do I need to keep UTM parameters (utm_source=referral...) in the link?
UTM parameters assist Mercor in analyzing the channels and campaigns that generate the highest traffic and referrals. Therefore, it is advisable to retain them. Nevertheless, their use is not compulsory; your referral will continue to be tracked in their absence.
My referral link sometimes shows a loading issue — what should I do?
My referral link sometimes shows a loading issue — what should I do?
This issue is infrequent; however, should it occur:• Attempt to refresh the page by using Shift + Cmd + R (Mac) or Shift + Ctrl + R (Windows).• Alternatively, directly access the role at work.mercor.com/explore.
I don't recognise my referrer. What should I do?
I don't recognise my referrer. What should I do?
If you don’t recognise your referrer, you can choose to opt out of being associated with their referral under Mercor’s Expert Referral Program.You can locate the “Not my Referrer” button in your Account section on your Mercor profile. This will trigger a referral dispute process, during which the referrer will have 5 business days to provide evidence of prior communication or familiarity to verify that they referred you. No further action is needed on your part unless we reach out for clarification.
I'm a referrer. What is a Referral Dispute?
I'm a referrer. What is a Referral Dispute?
A Referral Dispute occurs when a referred individual chooses to opt out of being associated with your referral under Mercor’s Expert Referral Program. As soon as the dispute is reported by the referee, we give the referrer 5 business days to share evidence—such as prior emails or messages—showing communication or familiarity with the referee before the referral was made.Familiarity means there was a two-way interaction where the referee acknowledged the referral or confirmed the relationship, not just one-sided outreach or reminders from the referrer.This ensures the program grows sustainably and authentically through genuine connections. If no evidence is submitted within the 5 business days, the referral will no longer be recognised in the program and will not be paid the referral earnings for the respective referee.
Candidate Statuses
How can I track my referral’s progress?
How can I track my referral’s progress?
Navigate to the Referrals section to view your referrals and their current stage (Signed Up, Started, Completed, Hired). For hired referrals, you will also see your earnings, pending earnings, progress toward cap, and the earnings cap.
Why does my referral remain “Under Review” for a long time?
Why does my referral remain “Under Review” for a long time?
“Under Review” signifies that the application is currently under consideration. The duration of the review process may be extended contingent upon project workload, the volume of applications received, and the extent to which the candidate aligns with the role’s requirements.
Where can I check the referral conversion rate?
Where can I check the referral conversion rate?
Conversion rates depend on whether referred candidates are selected by project teams and successfully start their billable hours. Since evaluations vary based on each candidate’s skills, experience, and AI interview performance, there is no definitive conversion rate. As a result, conversion outcomes differ from referral to referral.
Why doesn’t the total number of my referrals match the sum of the status cards?
Why doesn’t the total number of my referrals match the sum of the status cards?
Each status card shows candidates who have at least one application in that status. Since a candidate can have multiple applications in different statuses, the same candidate may appear in more than one card. As a result, the totals may not match.Example:
A candidate might have started working on Application A (Application Started) and received an offer for Application B (Offer Extended), causing them to appear in both.
A candidate might have started working on Application A (Application Started) and received an offer for Application B (Offer Extended), causing them to appear in both.
Communication & Updates
Do referrers get regular updates?
Do referrers get regular updates?
Yes. Referrers receive a daily email at 10 AM PST highlighting urgent hiring listings. In addition, weekly community announcements are shared with priority roles and referral statistics.
Are “Top Referrer” emails still being sent?
Are “Top Referrer” emails still being sent?
Yes, though there may occasionally be delays.
How can I subscribe to the Top Referrer emails?
How can I subscribe to the Top Referrer emails?
If you are not currently receiving them, contact any member of the Mercor team, and we will include you in the distribution list, based on the eligibility criteria set.
I got an email stating someone referred me, but that is not the case. I applied on my own at work.mercor.com
I got an email stating someone referred me, but that is not the case. I applied on my own at work.mercor.com
If this is the case, raise a “Referral Dispute” from your Settings page. This opens an investigation with the Talent Success team.
I want to talk to someone about my referral issue. What should I do?
I want to talk to someone about my referral issue. What should I do?
No worries. If your issue extends beyond merely verifying an application status or the information contained in these FAQs, send an email at [email protected].Ensure to include the following details:• The name and email ID of the referred user• Description of the issue• Your personalized referral linkThis will enable the team to efficiently investigate and address your concern.