IM-61 June 27, 2007; IM-103 October 4, 2004
Most immigrants who have entered the United States legally are in possession of documents issued by USCIS which contain information about immigration status and the date that individual entered the country or adjusted to the status shown on the card.
It is the responsibility of the applicant/EU to provide the documents. If an immigrant does not want FSD to contact USCIS to verify his or her status, FSD must give the EU the option of withdrawing its application or participating without that EU member.
FSD is required to verify immigrant status of individuals who are applying for food stamp benefits and to verify the validity of the documents provided by the EU.
- Access the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database to verify immigrant status.
- If SAVE cannot verify the documents or if there is a significant discrepancy between the automated data and information provided by the EU, the SAVE message “Institute Secondary Verification” appears.
- FSD must then verify the validity of the documentation by submitting USCIS Form G-845 (Document Verification Request) to USCIS. Attach photocopies of the documentation provided by the EU.
EXCEPTIONS: The following statuses do not require additional verification through SAVE:
- Eligibility based on veteran or active duty status (see 1105.010.10.20 Immigrants With a Military Connection)
- Cross border Native Americans (see 1105.010.03 Cross-Border Native Americans)
- Victims of trafficking (see 1105.010.10.30 Immigrants Eligible Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000)
- Hmong or Laotian Highlander tribe members (see 1105.010.04 Hmong, Laotian Highlanders)
Verify the status according to the policy listed in each section.