People are responsible for providing immigration documents as evidence of immigration status for each non-citizen and naturalized or derived citizen who is an eligible mandatory household member and who is applying for benefits. For MFIP, DWP, MSA, GA, GRH, or RCA, see 0014.03.03 (Determining the Cash Assistance Unit). For SNAP, see 0014.03.06 (Determining the SNAP Unit).

- Until acceptable documentation is provided (immigration documentation that includes the person’s full name, date of birth, and a numeric identifier), a noncitizen is ineligible for benefits.

If a person presents immigration documentation and it contains the required information (full name, date of birth, and a numeric identifier), use that information to run SAVE; and the agency should approve the case on the basis of immigration status. Immigration documents vary greatly in appearance. Do not require the person to present a particular immigration document, even if what is provided is unfamiliar to you. If you have questions about an immigration document, submit a policy question with a copy of the immigration document in question.

- Pending the SAVE verification, the agency cannot deny, delay, reduce or terminate the person’s eligibility on the basis of immigration status.

If a person does not have any immigration documentation, refer the person to USCIS to obtain evidence of their immigration status.

- Provide the person with the Records: Fast Facts for Benefit Applicants document from SAVE for more information on how to obtain, correct, renew, or replace their immigration document(s).

Always type the person’s name in SAVE exactly as it appears on their immigration document.

SAVE asks for 1 of the following numeric identifiers:

- Alien number (this is the same thing as the USCIS number or “A” number. Some immigration documents call the Alien number the USCIS number).

- Passport number.

- Naturalization/Citizenship number.

- Card number.

- Visa number.

Some immigration documents do not have any of these numbers, but have a document number instead. In this case, go to the 2nd level of SAVE and “Institute Additional Verifications”.

Some First Nations Canadians may not have a document issued by a United States Immigration agency and may present only a tribal enrollment card. If a person who is a First Nations Canadian only submits a tribal enrollment card, submit a Policy Question. The tribal enrollment card may not contain the information that is required to run a SAVE report.

The applicant or participant has any concerns about the SAVE response, including if the applicant or participant believes that the SAVE report is incorrect.

The SAVE response does not match the applicant’s immigration document information.

There is conflicting biographic information.

The person’s immigration document does not have 1 of the numeric identifiers that SAVE specifically asks for.

- In the 2nd level of SAVE, write in the comments box that the immigration document only has a document number and list the document number. Document numbers are commonly found on receipt notices and approval notices. Document numbers begin with 3 letters followed by several numbers and may be called “Receipt Numbers” or “Notice Numbers".

If the 3rd level of SAVE cannot verify the person’s immigration status, deny the case.

Provide anyone whose application is denied or benefits terminated based on the SAVE response with adequate written notice of the denial and Records: Fast Facts for Benefit Applicants document from SAVE to obtain the proper immigration documentation.

Asylum grant letter.

Trafficking Certificates.

Lawful Permanent Residence Card (green card).

Asylum Applicant Acknowledgement of Receipt Notices.

Parole documents for a Cuban/Haitian Entrant.