SSA - POMS: RM 10213.095 - Procedure for Verifying a Person’s Status (Lawful Alien Status or U.S. Citizenship) with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (2024)

1

Enter the application into the Social Security Number Application Process (SSNAP).

If the applicant’s evidence is:

  1. a.

    an N-550 or N-570 (Certificate of Naturalization) or N-560 or N-561 (Certificate of Citizenship) or a DHS document to prove lawful alien status and the evidence

    • shows an alien registration number (A#) or an admission number (I-94#), foreign passport number, or any combination of the three, enter the number(s) and go to Step 2; or

    • does not show an A#, enter the A# as 000000000 and go to Step 2.

See Also:

  • RM 10214.100, A# and I-94# definitions

  • SSNAP User Guide, Proof of Legal Alien Status and Proof of US Citizenship screens

2

Submit an Initial Verification (IV) request

SSNAP electronically submits an Initial Verification (IV) request to the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program and immediately retrieves the IV response within the SSN application path.

If you entered both an I-94# and a foreign passport number, SSNAP sends them both with the IV request.

If you entered both an A# and I-94#, SSNAP sends the A# with the IV request.

CAUTION: If you submit another IV request, the entire SAVE verification process starts over. Do not submit another IV request unless instructed to do so (e.g., after a 10 day waiting period as described in RM 10213.305).

See Also:

  • RM 10214.110, when to submit an IV request

  • RM 10213.090B, multiple IV requests

  • RM 10214.100, explanation of the SAVE process

  • SSNAP User Guide , SAVE Verification screen

3

SSNAP analyzes the IV response

SSNAP matches critical data from the application to data received with the IV response and determines if the status verifies. If the critical data:

  1. a.

    matches and the status verifies, SSNAP displays a message beginning with “SUCCESSFULLY VERIFIED” and determines the alien’s citizenship category (Numident CIT field) and permanent residence alien status (Numident PRA field); or

  2. b.

    does not match or the status does not verify, SSNAP puts the application in "Suspect" status and displays a message to assist you in determining the next action.

See Also:

  • RM 10214.125, how SSNAP evaluates IV responses

  • RM 10211.530, how SSNAP determines the CIT/PRA

4

Determine the next action

Consider SSNAP’s analysis of the IV response and determine the next action:

  1. a.

    If the status did not verify and you need to correct critical data, correct the critical data, go back to Step 2, and submit another IV request.

  2. b.

    If the status did not verify and the applicant is a refugee, follow RM 10211.185D.

  3. c.

    If the status did not verify and the applicant is an asylee, follow RM 10211.213.

  4. d.

    If the status did not verify and the applicant submitted a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship issued less than 10 days ago, follow RM 10213.305.

  5. e.

    If the response is “Refer Student/Exchange Visitor to their School, Program Sponsor”, follow RM 10211.395.

  6. f.

    For all other responses, determine the next action following RM 10214.110 and return to this step. If the next action is to:

    • submit an Additional Verification (AV) request, go to Step 5; or

    • continue the application based on the IV response as well as the other evidence submitted, STOP.

5

Submit an Additional Verification (AV) request

Submit the AV request in SSNAP per RM 10214.150.

If you entered both an A# and I-94#, SSNAP sent the A# with the IV request and will send the I-94# with the AV request. Sending the I-94# with the AV request ensures that SAVE checks all possible databases for the applicant’s current status.

SAVE YOUR ACTIONS: After submitting the verification request or retrieving the verification response, follow these steps:

  1. a.

    click “Continue” until you reach the “Summary” screen;

  2. b.

    select “Continue” on the “Summary” screen to open the “Verify and Sign” screen; and

  3. c.

    click “Continue” on the Verify and Sign” screen to save the updated application.

If you click the Cancel button or SSNAP logo before completing these steps, you will lose all changes and any actions taken, including any updates to the SAVE Verification screen.

See Also:

  • RM 10214.150, when to submit an AV request

  • SSNAP User Guide , Saving Applications and Updates in SSNAP

6

Retrieve the AV response

The AV response is electronic but does not automatically propagate into SSNAP. Each FO must request the “SAVE- All Receipted Electronic Additional and Third Level verification responses” list within SSNAP. Once an AV response appears on the list, you must update the SSN application to pull in the SAVE AV response.

If you do not receive the AV response, follow RM 10214.150D.

Save any updates by following the Step 5, SAVE YOUR ACTIONS, instructions.

See Also:

SSNAP User Guide , Lists and SAVE Verification screens

7

SSNAP analyzes the AV response

When the pending application reflects the AV response, SSNAP determines if the status verifies:

  1. a.

    If the status verifies, SSNAP displays a message beginning with “SUCCESSFULLY VERIFIED”, updates the “Evidence Submitted” field from “Suspect” to “Verified”, and determines the alien’s citizenship category (Numident CIT field) and permanent residence alien status (Numident PRA field).

  2. b.

    If the status does not verify, SSNAP leaves the application in "Suspect" status and displays a message to assist you in determining the next action.

See Also:

  • RM 10214.155, how SSNAP evaluates AV responses

  • RM 10211.530, how SSNAP determines the CIT/PRA

8

Determine the next action

Consider SSNAP’s analysis of the AV response. Determine the next action following RM 10214.150C and return to this step. If the next action is to:

  • submit a Third Level verification request, and go to Step 9;

  • continue the application based on the AV response as well as the other evidence submitted, STOP.

9

Submit a Third Level verification request

To submit a Third Level verification request, follow RM 10214.100A.4. and RM 10214.170.

Save any updates by following the Step 5, SAVE YOUR ACTIONS, instructions.

See Also:

SSNAP User Guide , Forms and Letters screen

10

Obtain the Third Level verification response via SSNAP)

NOTE: The SSNAP Third Level response screen will only let you select responses that are appropriate for the applicant based on their evidence and status. For Third Level verification response explanations see RM 10214.175A.

  1. a.

    You submitted a Third Level verification - You will receive an electronic response. Each FO must request the “SAVE- All Receipted Electronic Additional and Third Level verification Responses” list within SSNAP. Once a case appears on the list, you must update the SSN application to pull in the SAVE Third Level response.

If you do not receive the Third Level verification response, follow RM 10214.170C.

Save any updates by following the Step 5, SAVE YOUR ACTIONS, instructions.

See Also:

SSNAP User Guide , Lists and Save Verification screens

11

SSNAP analyzes the Third Level verification response

When the application reflects the Third Level verification response, SSNAP determines if the status verifies:

  1. a.

    If the status verifies, SSNAP displays a message beginning with “SUCCESSFULLY VERIFIED” , updates the “Evidence Submitted” field from “Suspect” to “Verified”, and determines the alien’s citizenship category (Numident CIT field) and permanent residence alien status (Numident PRA field).

  2. b.

    If the status does not verify, SSNAP leaves the application in "Suspect" status and displays a message to assist you in determining the next action.

See Also:

  • RM 10214.175A, how SSNAP evaluates Third Level responses

  • RM 10211.530, how SSNAP determines the CIT/PRA

12

Determine the next action

Consider SSNAP’s analysis of the Third Level verification response and determine the next action following RM 10214.175 B and C, STOP.

SSA - POMS: RM 10213.095 - Procedure for Verifying a Person’s Status (Lawful Alien Status or U.S. Citizenship) with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (2024)

FAQs

How does SSA verify immigration status? ›

If you're a noncitizen, we must verify your documents with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) before we issue a Social Security number or replacement card. Most of the time, we can quickly verify your documents online with DHS.

What is proof of lawful alien status? ›

An alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA). Evidence includes: • INS Form I-551 (Alien Registration Receipt Card, commonly known as a "green card"); or • Unexpired Temporary I-551 stamp in foreign passport or on INS Form I-94.

How do you verify immigration status? ›

Online: Use the case status online tool to check for updates about your immigration case. You will need your 13-character receipt number from your application or petition. By phone: If you are calling from the U.S., contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or TTY 1-800-767-1833.

How to update U.S. citizenship status with Social Security? ›

Call us. Available in most U.S. time zones Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. in English and other languages. Tell the representative you want to update your citizenship or immigration status. Call TTY +1 800-325-0778 if you're deaf or hard of hearing.

How long does SSA verification take? ›

If you receive benefits or have a pending application, you can request that we mail you a benefit verification letter. We will mail your benefit verification letter within 10 business days to the address we have on file. Be sure to confirm or update your mailing address in your personal my Social Security account.

What is evidence of lawful entry? ›

An "admission" into the U.S. occurs when the border official releases the person into the U.S. Usually, this is accompanied by some sort of official stamp or documentation. Thus, the most common method of proving lawful entry is to show copies of I-94 documentation or an official stamp of entry on one's passport.

What can be used as proof of status? ›

an identity document - your passport, national identity card, biometric residence card or permit. a digital photo - you can take a selfie during the application. your National Insurance number or proof of how long you've lived in the UK.

Which document will you use to prove your United States lawful presence? ›

Current U.S. passport. Current, valid Permanent Resident Card (USCIS form I-151 or 551). You must submit copies of the front and back of your Permanent Resident Card. Certificate of Citizenship (USCIS form N-560 or N-561).

What documents prove immigration status? ›

Arrival/Departure Record (I-94/I-94A) (indicating status as “conditional entrant,” “refugee-conditional entrant,” “Seventh Preference,” “§203(a)(7)” or “P7”). Employment Authorization Document (Card) (I-766) (annotated “A3”). Permanent Resident Card or “Green Card” (I-551).

How can I check my U.S. citizenship status? ›

How to Check U.S. Citizenship Application Status Online
  1. Find the Receipt Number for your U.S. citizenship application. (See “Receipt Numbers” below.)
  2. Visit the USCIS “Case Status Online” tracker.
  3. Enter your Receipt Number.
  4. Click “Check Status.”

Can I check my green card status with alien number? ›

Information you'll need: Your USCIS Receipt Number. Your A-Number, or “Alien Registration Number” (if any) Your Name.

Can I check my SSN status online? ›

A free and secure my Social Security account provides personalized tools for everyone, whether you receive benefits or not. You can use your account to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits, or manage the benefits you already receive.

Does a Social Security card proof U.S. citizenship? ›

The following will not be accepted as secondary evidence of U.S. citizenship: Voter registration card. Army discharge paper. Social Security Card.

Can a non-citizen get Social Security benefits? ›

To be eligible for SSI as a noncitizen, you must be in one of certain classifications granted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). You may be eligible for SSI if you are: Lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Granted conditional entry.

How does Social Security verify your information? ›

Because protecting you and your identity is important, we use strict identity verification and security features. You can use one of two credential service providers to verify your identity: Login.gov or ID.me.

Does a background check reveal immigration status? ›

The FBI checks your identity, criminal records, immigration status, and arrests.

How to check someone's immigration status? ›

To find out a person's immigration status, you can either use the E-Verify website or submit a FOIA request to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The method that is most appropriate for you will depend on your reason for needing this information.

How does USCIS verify identity? ›

Common documents include a bank statement, utility bill, medical bill, paystub, W-2, or driver's license. If your document has your address, but not your name, you must submit a linking document. This helps prove your address by confirming the relationship between you and the person's name who is on the document.

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