The Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system is used to validate immigration status of non-citizen applicants for certain programs who are determined eligible for those programs or for participants of those programs who report an immigration status change. See 0010.18.18 (Verifying Sponsor Information). SAVE is also required for some health care programs; see the Insurance Affordability Programs/Health Care Manuals.

SAVE is an information-sharing initiative to assist in verifying the immigration status of non-citizens. It allows authorized staff to validate a non-citizen’s immigration status information by accessing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data through the Automated Status Verification System (ASVS) database, which contains information on more than 60 million non-citizens. The USCIS will protect a person’s privacy to the maximum degree possible, in accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act and other applicable statutes.

Use SAVE to validate the immigration status of eligible non-citizen applicants for the following programs, or for eligible participants of these programs who report a status change:

●	MFIP.
●	WB.
●	DWP.
●	SNAP.
●	Refugee Cash Assistance.
●	Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP).

The SAVE system DOES NOT determine a person’s eligibility for public assistance programs. It does not eliminate the requirement for non-citizens to provide verification of their immigration status. It also does not provide information on other factors that may impact a non-citizen’s eligibility, such as qualifying quarters of coverage, military, or veteran status. It is also NOT a reporting mechanism. Information on non-citizens provided by financial workers through SAVE cannot be used by USCIS for the purpose of administrative (non-criminal) enforcement of immigration laws.


How to use SAVE in eligibility determinations:

For APPLICANTS:

1.	Request verifications needed to determine eligibility of all applicants, including documentation of the USCIS status of non-citizen applicants when required by the program(s) for which the unit is applying.
2.	Determine eligibility.
3.	If the non-citizen applicant submits the requested immigration verifications, meets all program requirements, and is eligible for benefits, submit through ASVS.
4.	Approve benefits. Do not delay, deny, or reduce benefits pending SAVE primary or secondary verification if the USCIS documentation provided by the applicant makes him/her eligible.
5.	If you submit a non-citizen through SAVE, change the Status Ver field on STAT/IMIG to either S1 (Save Primary) or S2 (SAVE Secondary).

For PARTICIPANTS who report a change in immigration status:

1.	Request verification of the new status.
2.	Redetermine eligibility.
3.	If the non-citizen submits requested verification and remains eligible, submit through ASVS. Do not delay, deny, reduce, or terminate benefits pending SAVE verification.
4.	If the non-citizen is no longer eligible based on the verifications provided, do not submit through ASVS. Look at potential eligibility for other programs.
5.	If you submit a non-citizen through SAVE, change the Status Ver field on STAT/IMIG to either S1 (Save Primary) or S2 (SAVE Secondary).

See 00010.18 (Mandatory Verifications), 0010.18.01 (Mandatory Verifications Cash Assistance), 0010.18.02 (Mandatory Verifications - SNAP), 0010.18.11 (Verifying Citizenship and Immigration Status).


Do NOT use SAVE:

●	For GA, Emergency GA, MSA, or GRH.
●	When the immigration status claimed and USCIS documentation provided by the applicant/participant causes ineligibility for the programs being applied for, and the applicant/participant does not claim a different status.
●	When factors other than immigration status make the unit ineligible (such as excess assets or income).
●	For people who are not applying for benefits for themselves, even if they are applying on behalf of others.
●	When a unit withdraws its application for assistance and SAVE validation has not yet occurred.

For MAXIS procedures, see TEMP Manual TE02.12.19 (SAVE System), TE02.12.20 (SAVE - Secondary Responses).


MFIP, WB, DWP, SNAP:
Follow general provisions.


MSA, GA, GRH:
No provisions.