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MS 2910 [4]

1. The agency submits Form G-845, Document Verification Request, to USCIS. 2. Advise the alien that they may be eligible if acceptable verification is obtained. 3. Explain that the following classifications of the Immigration and Nationality Act result in eligible status: a. Section 207, 208, or 243(h); b. After April 1, 1997, Section 241(b)(3); or c. Cuban or Haitian refugees and Amerasian asylees.

4. The alien may contact USCIS or otherwise obtain the necessary verification, or if the alien chooses to sign a written consent, the worker may contact USCIS to obtain clarification of the alien's status. Do not contact USCIS to obtain information about the alien's correct status without the alien's written consent. Written consent is not required when using Systematic Alien Verification Entitlement (SAVE) to validate the alien's eligible status or when verifying the alien's qualifying quarters.

Once verification to determine eligible alien status has been submitted to the USCIS, SSA, or another federal agency, do not delay, deny, reduce, or terminate the individual’s eligibility. Certify the individual for up to six months from the date of the RFI. If the verification hasn’t been received and processed on or before 15 days prior to the six-month expiration date, the system will issue a warning notice to the alien stating that their SNAP benefits will cease unless the verification is received by the expiration date. If the verification hasn’t been received and processed by the six-month expiration date, the system will change the member’s status to “ineligible alien” and issue a notice.

If the alien does not wish to contact USCIS, give the household the option of withdrawing its application or participating without that member. If the household opts to participate without the ineligible alien, an eligibility notice is sent notifying the household of the exclusion, the reason for the exclusion, the eligibility and benefit level of the remaining members, and the action(s) the household must take to end the member's exclusion.

When the applicant or any other household member indicates an inability or unwillingness to provide verification of alien status for any member, classify that member as an ineligible alien. Do not continue efforts to obtain the verification. Document the case record.

E. If the proper USCIS verification is not available, the alien may state the reason and submit other conclusive evidence as verification. Other forms of acceptable verification include:

1. Corroboration from USCIS that the alien is classified pursuant to Section 207 or 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act or is a Cuban or Haitian refugee or Amerasian asylee; or