For various federal, state, and local government agencies in the United States, accurately verifying the immigration status and eligibility of individuals for benefits, licenses, and other entitlements is a critical responsibility. To facilitate this process, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides a wealth of information regarding commonly used immigration documents.

The Role of SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements)

Before exploring specific documents, it’s essential to understand the context of the SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) Program. Check out our page for details regarding SAVE.

Key Categories of Commonly Used Immigration Documents

USCIS issues a wide array of documents to individuals with different immigration statuses and for various purposes. Understanding these documents is crucial for accurate verification. Here are some of the most frequently encountered documents by user agencies:

1. Lawful Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) – Form I-551:

• Purpose: The Form I-551, commonly known as the Green Card, serves as primary evidence of an individual’s lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in the United States. LPRs have the right to live and work permanently in the U.S.
• Key Features:
  • Card Design: The design has evolved over time, but current versions contain the individual’s photograph, name, date of birth, Alien Registration Number (A-Number or USCIS#), category code indicating the basis of their permanent residency, and a machine-readable zone. Older versions may lack some of these features.
  • Validity: Green Cards issued after 1989 are generally valid for 10 years and must be renewed (Form I-90). Older versions may have no expiration date but still serve as proof of LPR status. Conditional Permanent Resident Cards (issued based on marriage or investment) are valid for two years and have a specific expiration date.
  • Category Codes: These codes (e.g., AR1, CR1, IR1, EB2) indicate the specific category under which the individual was granted permanent residency. Understanding these codes can provide insights into the basis of their status. (A comprehensive list of these codes is often available in USCIS reference materials or through the SAVE program).
• Verification: User agencies can verify the validity and status of a Green Card through the SAVE program.

2. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) – Form I-766:

• Purpose: The Form I-766, or EAD, grants temporary employment authorization in the United States to certain nonimmigrants who have applied for it and whose immigration category allows for employment.
• Key Features:
  • Card Design: Contains the individual’s photograph, name, date of birth, A-Number (if assigned), a validity period, and a category code indicating the basis for employment authorization (e.g., (a)(3) for asylum applicants, (c)(8) for pending Adjustment of Status applicants, (c)(9) for TPS beneficiaries).
  • Validity: The validity period varies depending on the individual’s underlying immigration status or the reason for the EAD. It has a specific start and end date.
  • Category Codes: These codes are crucial for understanding the individual’s underlying immigration status and the conditions of their employment authorization. (A detailed list of EAD category codes and their meanings is available on the USCIS website and within SAVE resources).
• Verification: The validity and details of an EAD can be verified through the SAVE program.

3. Arrival/Departure Record (Form I-94):

• Purpose: The Form I-94 is an electronic record issued by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon an individual’s lawful entry into the United States. It documents their immigration status, date of entry, port of entry, and authorized period of stay.
• Key Features:
  • Electronic Record: While individuals may receive a paper version in some instances, the official I-94 is primarily an electronic record accessible through the CBP website.
  • Admission Stamp: Foreign passports are often stamped upon entry, indicating the date, port of entry, and immigration status and expiration date (if applicable). This stamp can be used in conjunction with the electronic I-94.
  • Class of Admission (COA): The I-94 specifies the individual’s nonimmigrant status (e.g., B-2 visitor, F-1 student, H-1B temporary worker). Understanding the COA is vital for determining eligibility for benefits. (USCIS provides resources explaining different nonimmigrant statuses and their implications).
  • Admit Until Date: This date indicates the authorized period of stay in the U.S. for nonimmigrants.
• Verification: User agencies can often verify an individual’s I-94 information electronically through the CBP website or through the SAVE program, which interfaces with CBP systems.

4. Notice of Action (Form I-797):

• Purpose: The Form I-797 is a multipurpose form used by USCIS to communicate various actions taken on an immigration case. It serves as a receipt notice, approval notice, request for evidence (RFE), transfer notice, and more.
• Key Features:
  • Different Versions: There are various versions of Form I-797 with different letter suffixes (e.g., I-797C, I-797F, I-797H), each indicating a specific type of action.
  • Receipt Number: This unique number is crucial for tracking the status of an application or petition online through the USCIS Case Status Online tool.
  • Approval Notices: Approval notices (often I-797A or I-797) may extend an individual’s status or grant a specific immigration benefit. These notices often have an “valid from” and “valid until” date.
  • No Independent Status: A Form I-797 by itself generally does not confer immigration status but rather documents an action taken on a specific application or petition. It should be reviewed in conjunction with other immigration documents.
• Verification: While the Form I-797 itself isn’t directly verified through SAVE, the receipt number on the form can be used to check the status of the underlying case, which may provide information relevant to the individual’s immigration status.

5. Travel Documents (e.g., Advance Parole Document – Form I-512L, Refugee Travel Document – Form I-571):

• Purpose: These documents allow certain individuals in specific immigration situations to travel abroad and return to the United States.
  • Advance Parole (Form I-512L): May be issued to individuals with pending Adjustment of Status applications, TPS, or other specific circumstances.
  • Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571): Issued to refugees and asylees for international travel in lieu of a passport from their country of origin.
• Key Features:
  • Photograph and Biographic Information: Contain the individual’s photograph, name, date of birth, and A-Number (if assigned).
  • Validity Period: Have a specific validity period.
  • Endorsements: May contain endorsements or limitations on travel.
  • Category Codes: Indicate the basis for the travel document.
• Verification: The validity of these travel documents may be verifiable through the SAVE program in some instances.

6. Certificates of Citizenship (Form N-560) and Naturalization (Form N-550):

• Purpose: These certificates serve as primary evidence of U.S. citizenship.
  • Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560): Issued to individuals who derived or acquired U.S. citizenship through their parents.
  • Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550): Issued to individuals who became U.S. citizens through the naturalization process.
• Key Features:
  • Photograph and Biographic Information: Contain the individual’s photograph, name, date of birth, and certificate number.
  • Seal and Signature: Bear the official seal of the Department of Homeland Security and the signature of the USCIS Director.
  • No Expiration Date: These certificates generally do not expire.
• Verification: Verification of citizenship may require accessing USCIS records or contacting USCIS directly in certain situations, as these documents are proof of a fundamental right.

7. Other Commonly Encountered Documents:

• Visa Stamps in Foreign Passports: Foreign passports may contain U.S. visa stamps indicating the individual’s nonimmigrant or immigrant status upon entry. These stamps include a visa category and an expiration date (if applicable).
• Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status: Issued to prospective and current F and M nonimmigrant students. Contains information about the student, the educational program, and the designated school official.
• Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status: Issued to prospective and current J-1 exchange visitors. Contains information about the exchange visitor, the program sponsor, and the program dates.

Conclusion

Accurate verification of immigration status is paramount for user agencies administering benefits and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws. By understanding the purpose, key features, and validity of commonly used USCIS immigration documents, and by effectively utilizing the SAVE program and other available resources, user agencies can confidently navigate the complexities of immigration documentation and make informed eligibility determinations. Continued training and access to updated USCIS guidance are essential for maintaining the integrity of benefit programs and ensuring fair and accurate service delivery.