SAVE Program Process

The Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program Verification Information System (VIS) is the foundation of all automation within the SAVE Program.  VIS can be accessed by user agencies using the Customer Processing System (CPS).  There are currently five automated access methods available to users as well as one manual verification method.  The access method is determined during the registration process.  All automated verification methods are accessed via secure connection.  VIS connects to a total of seven national databases giving the SAVE Program access to over 100 million records to verify immigration status.

See "The Verification Process" flowchart listed below for a graphical view of this process.

Initial Verification Process

1)  User agency queries the SAVE Program using:

• Alien Registration Number (A#), OR
• I-94 Number  

2)  System response available in seconds:

• Applicant’s Immigration Status, AND/OR
• Institute Additional Verification (IAV)

If the applicant’s immigration status is unable to be determined, VIS sends a response message back to the customer requesting additional verification. 

Automated Secondary Verification

• User agency receiving an IAV message submits additional information electronically to the Status Verification Unit
• Using the Status Verification System (SVS), a status verifier retrieves and resolves the case, then responds electronically to the user agency within 3-5 federal workdays.  If the immigration status is still indeterminate, the system sends a response message back to the customer recommending they pursue third step verification

Manual Secondary Verification

• Required when the Status Verification Unit requires a copy of the original document(s) to complete the IAV Process
• User agency receives the automated response “Resubmit Doc (two-sided needed)”

Manual Third-Step Verification

• Required when the status verifier is unable to confirm the applicant’s status in automated secondary verification
• After the manual process is complete (second or third step), the applicant status is either verified or the applicant is referred to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Manual Verification Process

If a user agency cannot use one of the automated access methods then the SAVE Program offers a manual verification method. 

• Required to fill out a G-845 form
• Include copies of the applicant’s immigration papers
• Mail the information to USCIS (see "Where to Mail Forms G-845 and G-845S" listed below)

   

Manual verification requests can take up to 10 federal workdays to process for federally-mandated agencies and up to 20 federal workdays for non-mandated agencies.  Starting October 1, 2008, all initial manual verification requests will cost $2.00 to process.  See the “SAVE Transaction Program Charges” section for more information.