122.3 4 Verification of Noncitizen Status

The CAO must verify the lawful noncitizen status of each applicant identified as a noncitizen through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program. See Supplemental Handbook, Chapter 740 .

If the USCIS indicates on a Document Verification Request form that the verification has expired, the CAO must ask the person if they have documentation verifying parolee status before taking adverse action.

Once noncitizen status is verified through SAVE, reverification is not necessary unless:

Verification previously obtained is questionable.

The noncitizen's status is subject to change.

NOTE: Examples of when a noncitizen status is subject to change includes, but is not limited to: the initial SAVE indicated a pending application (i.e. for asylum, TPS, etc.) which may have since been denied or approved by USCIS, the individual’s parole period has expired, the individual left and returned to the country, the individual has new criminal history which may have altered their status, the individual has married since their last status, an LPR has met the waiting period to apply for citizenship. Noncitizen status should be reviewed at reapplication and a new SAVE initiated if client indicates there has been a change.

Neither the ASVI printout nor the USCIS Document Verification Request form indicating legal noncitizen status is in the case record.

NOTE: An ASVI verification number alone is not enough evidence that noncitizen status was verified through SAVE. Only a satisfactorily completed primary verification printout or secondary verification form is acceptable proof of SAVE verification.

If the noncitizen documentation and the SAVE status are not in agreement, the documentation that is provided by the client should be reviewed for eligibility.

SAVE is only to be completed a second time when the immigration status has been reported to change by the client. The CAO will not delay authorization of benefits pending an updated SAVE. See S H 740.1 for additional information when a second SAVE may be needed.

The CAO must upload and attach immigration documents through SAVE for secondary verification requests to obtain a response from USCIS.

There is no need to upload and attach the G-845S with the immigration documentation. The CAOs must stop mailing the G-845S and immigration documentation to USCIS.

Documents may be uploaded and attached to a SAVE request if:

User initiates second step verification.

User initiates third step verification.

System initiates third step verification.

The CAO must not delay, deny, or reduce benefits pending verification of noncitizen status. Benefits may be delayed, denied, or reduced if a noncitizen does not provide satisfactory USCIS documentation in a timely manner. See Chapter 178 .

NOTE: There will be a delay if the authorization goes beyond the standard eligibility determination processing time frame of 30 days.

The CAO does not have the responsibility to report undocumented or illegal noncitizens to USCIS unless a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge is submitted by the applicant to the CAO.

122.35 Qualified Noncitizen Enumeration Process

Non-citizens who have never applied for an SSN will be assisted by the CAO in applying for an SSN. The CAO will complete the PA 1564 with the individual and assist them with completing the SS-5 Application for a Social Security Card. The SS-5 fillable form can be found on-line, printed, and provided to the non-citizen.

The CAO will consider the verification requirement of application for an SSN met with any of the following documents:

PA 1564 completed and signed by SSA.

SSA-5028 - Receipt for Application for an SSN.

SSA-5029 - Receipt for Application for a Non-Work SSN.

USCIS I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence with items 16 and 17 completed. The application is the precursor to issuing the I-551.

USCIS I-551 - Lawful Permanent Resident card.

USCIS I-765 - Application for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with items 14 and 15 completed. The application is the precursor to issuing the I-766.

USCIS I-766 - EAD card.

SAVE return showing non-citizen has EAD.

Collateral contact with a refugee’s public or private sponsor in person, through the mail, or by telephone who can be expected to give reliable information and attests they assisted with the application for an SSN. The CAO must make a collateral contact when the CAO decides that they must make a quick decision to avoid unnecessary hardship for the individual. See CAH 178.4, SNAP 578.5 and MAEH 378.4. Narrate the collateral contact information in the case record.

NOTE: For more information, see SH 740 .

Verification of application for an SSN needs to be established before TANF, SBP or SSP-Only benefits are authorized for any individual who does not have an SSN. An SSN must be provided for ongoing TANF benefits to continue beyond 120 days.

Updated September 27, 2024, replacing September 18, 2012,