7 CFR § 273.2(f)(1)(ii)(A)-(C) & 7 CFR § 273.4(c)(5)


Inform the EDG of the following options when verification is required and not provided on a timely basis:

  • Withdraw their application; or 
  • Determine the eligibility of the remaining members. 

Note: The EDG may request the worker not complete a SAVE query or otherwise contact USCIS.  If the EDG makes that request, they must select one of the above options. 


Budget the income, assets, and expenses of the ineligible member per Ineligible Members. 


See Acceptable Non-Citizen Papers for sources.

Citizen Criteria

7 CFR § 273.2(f)(2)(i)-(ii)


Verify citizen criteria if questionable. See Suggested Verification Sources.

Eligible Non-Citizen

7 CFR § 273.2(f)(1)(ii)(A)-(C)


Verification is required to determine eligible non-citizen status before approving or adding a non-citizen to SNAP benefits. See Acceptable Non-citizen Papers for the forms that confirm the non-citizen’s status. 


After the USCIS form is received showing eligible status, use SAVE to confirm the form is accurate.


Exception: Non-citizens are eligible for SNAP benefits if they are in an eligible status and verification is pending as follows:

  • Until a SAVE response is received regarding validation of the non-citizen’s USCIS documentation; 
  • Up to 6 months when SSA is reviewing qualifying work quarter history; or 
  • Up to 6 months after a request for verification of non-citizen status was sent to a Federal agency, other than USCIS.

Secondary Verification Needed

7 CFR § 272.11(d)


Pursue secondary verification of non-citizen status when: 

  • SAVE cannot confirm the verification, or 
  • there is a difference between the SAVE information and the provided verification. 


Complete the agency areas and send a USCIS G-845, Verification Request, and G-845S, Verification Request Supplement if required, for each member, along with a copy of the front and back of the non-citizen’s verification, for review to USCIS. 


Scan the G-845/G-845S to the case when returned.

Acceptable Non-Citizen Papers

SAVE must be used to confirm the papers presented by the non-citizen.

Non-citizen

Acceptable Non-Citizen Papers

Afghan Entrant
  • Iraqi passport with an immigrant visa stamp notifying that the individual was admitted under IV (Immigrant Visa) Category SQ1, SI1, SQ2, SI2, SQ3, SI3  and stamp or notation on passport or I-94 showing date of entry
  • Form I-551 showing Iraqi nationality with IV (Immigrant Visa) Category SQ6, SI6, SQ7, SI7, SQ9, SI9
  • Other USCIS documents proving legal admission 

Amerasian
  • Form I-94 with code AMI, AM2, or AM3
  • Form I-551 with code AM6, AM7, or AM8
  • Other USCIS documents proving legal admission 
  • Passport with codes AM-1, AM-2, or AM-3
  • Unexpired temporary I-551 stamp in a Vietnamese exit visa with codes AM-1, AM-2, or AM-3
  • Unexpired temporary I-551 stamp in a Vietnamese passport with codes AM-1, AM-2, or AM-3

Asylee 
  • Asylum Approval Letter from USCIS Asylum Office
  • Form I-94 showing grant of asylum under Section 208 of the INA
  • Form I-94 with codes AS-1, AS-2, AS-3
  • Form I-94 with code V-92
  • Form I-571
  • Form I-730 Approval Letter
  • Form I-766 with code A05
  • Grant letter from the Asylum Office of the USCIS
  • Order from immigration judge granting asylum
  • Other USCIS documents proving legal admission

Battered Non-Citizen
  • I-94 with code Z13
  • Form I-551 with codes AR1, AR6, B11, B12, B16, B17, B20-B29, B31-B33, B36-B38, BX1-BX3, BX6-BX8 C20–C29, CF1, CF2, CR1, CR2, CR6, CR7, CX1-CX3, CX6-CX8, F20-F29, FX1-FX3, FX6-FX8, IF1, IB1-IB3, IB6-IB8, IF2, IR1-IR4, IR6-IR9, IW1, IW2, IW6, IW7, MR6, MR7, P21-P23, or P26-P28
  • Form I-551 with code Z13 
  • Form I-360 file stamped copy for self-petitioning widow(ers)
  • Form I-797 indicating filing of an I-360 petition
  • Immigration judge or Board of Immigration Appeals order granting suspension of deportation under Section 244(a)(3) of the INA or cancellation of removal under Section 240A(b)(2) of the INA
  • Other USCIS documentation demonstrating filing of battered status
  • Unexpired temporary I-551 stamp in foreign passport

Canadian-Born Native American
  • Documents proving 50% of Native American blood along with a birth certificate or other evidence of birth in Canada such as blood quantum letter, enrollment documents, tribal affidavits
  • Form I-94 with code S13
  • Form I-551 with code S13
  • Other USCIS documents proving legal admission
  • Unexpired temporary I-551 stamp in a Canadian passport

Conditional Entrant
  • Form I-94 showing entry under Section 203(a)(7) of the INA Refugee-conditional entry in effect prior to 4/1/1980
  • Form I-766 with code A3
  • Other USCIS documents proving legal admission

Cuban Entrant
  • Form I-94 showing paroled as a Cuban/Haitian Entrant under Section 212(d)(5) of the INA
  • Form I-94 indicating the individual was paroled into the U.S. on or after 4/21/1980
  • Form I-94 with code CU6 or CU7
  • Form I-551 with code CU6, CU7, or CH6
  • Cuban passport with Section 212(d)(5) stamped on or after 10/10/1980
  • Other USCIS documents proving legal admission
  • Unexpired temporary I-551 stamp in foreign passport

Deportation or Removal Withheld
  • Form I-766 with code A10
  • Order from an immigration judge showing deportation withheld under Section 243(h) of the INA before 4/1/97, or removal withheld under Section 241(b)(3) of the INA
  • Other USCIS documents proving legal admission

Haitian Entrant
  • Form I-94 showing paroled as a Cuban/Haitian Entrant under Section 212(d)(5) of the INA
  • Form I-94 indicating the individual was paroled into the U.S. on or after 10/10/1980
  • Form I-94 with code CU6 or CU7
  • Form I-551 with code CU6, CU7, or CH6
  • Other USCIS documents proving legal admission
  • Haitian passport with Section 212(d)(5) stamped on or after 10/10/1980
  • Unexpired temporary I-551 stamp in foreign passport

Hmong or Highland Laotian Tribal Member

Could have entered as a refugee, asylee, or LPR 

  • Any USCIS document indicating lawful admittance.  

Note:  The USCIS document may not identify the individual as Hmong or Highland Laotian Tribal Member. 

Iraqi Entrant
  • Iraqi passport with an immigrant visa stamp notifying that the individual was admitted under IV (Immigrant Visa) Category SQ1, SI1, SQ2, SI2, SQ3, SI3  and stamp or notation on passport or I-94 showing date of entry
  • Form I-551 showing Iraqi nationality with IV (Immigrant Visa) Category SQ6, SI6, SQ7, SI7, SQ9, SI9
  • Other USCIS documents proving legal admission

Lawfully Admitted for Permanent Residence (LPR)
  • Form I-94 with unexpired temporary I-551 stamp
  • Form I-551 with codes RE6, RE7, RE8, RE9, AS6, AS7, AS8, CH6, HA6, HB6, GA6, GA7, GA8, ST6, ST7, ST8, ST0, or ST9
  • For I-766 with code A10
  • Other USCIS documents proving legal admission
  • Unexpired temporary I-551 stamp in foreign passport with codes RE6, RE7, RE8, RE9, AS6, AS7, AS8

Native American with Treaty Rights
  • Contact the tribal government (202)  514-2000
  • Membership card
  • Other USCIS documents proving legal admission
  • Tribal documents verifying 50% American Native blood from a federally recognized tribe under Section 4(e) of the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act.

Parolee
  • Form I-94 annotated with Section 212(d)(5) of the INA
  • Form I-766 annotated with A-04
  • Other USCIS documents proving legal admission

Refugee
  • Form I-94 showing entry as a refugee under Section 207 of the INA
  • Form I-94 with code V-93
  • Form I-551 with codes RE-1, RE-2, RE-3, RE-4, RE-5, RE-6, RE-7, RE-8, RE-9
  • Form I-571
  • Form I-730 Approval Letter
  • Form I-766 with code A03
  • Other USCIS documents proving legal admission

Trafficking Victim
  • Original certification letter for the victim from the Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement, and contact with ORR at (866) 401-5510 to confirm the letter is valid.
  • Form I-94 annotated with T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5, T-6 (family of severe trafficking victim) entering the U.S. on the basis of a Derivative T Visa.
  • Form I-797 Notice of Action approving the Derivative T visa annotated with T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5, T-6 (family of severe trafficking victim) already in the U.S. on the date the Derivative T Visa was granted.
  • Other USCIS documents proving legal admission


Ineligible Non-Citizen

7 CFR § 273.4(b)(2)


Do not request verification of non-citizen status for individuals who are not participating in the program. This is true whether the individual claims to be lawfully or illegally present in the U.S.

Military Requirement

7 CFR § 273.2(f)(1)(ii) & 7 CFR § 273.4(a)(6)(ii)(G)(1)-(3)


Verification of the active duty or veteran status is required.


Active duty can be verified with a:

  • current Military Identification Card (DD Form 2 Active), or 
  • copy of current military orders


Veteran status can be verified using a discharge certificate (DD Form 214, or the equivalent) with the character of service rating of “Honorable Discharge”.  

Note:  “Under Honorable Conditions” does not meet this requirement.


Refer the individual to the VA if they don’t have verification.

Sponsored Non-Citizen

7 CFR § 273.2(f)(1)(ii)(A)-(C) and (j)(2)(v) and (4)(iii)(E) & 7 CFR § 273.4(c)(4)-(5) & 7 CFR 273.11(c)(3)(i)-(v)


Sponsored non-citizens are responsible to provide information or verification about the sponsor (and sponsor’s spouse, if appropriate), and to obtain the cooperation from the sponsor at application and renewal. Allow the non-citizen at least 10 days to provide the information.


Verify the following information of the sponsor(s):

  • Income
  • Assets
  • Names and other identifying information for non-citizens the sponsor(s) also sponsor


Exception: Verification is not required if the sponsor(s) gross countable income information was verified for another agency assistance program.


Assist the EDG obtain verification if they have difficulty getting verification. Access the SAVE program to obtain the following sponsor information:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Social Security number


The non-citizen is ineligible if the information or verification is not provided. Budget the non-citizen’s income, assets and expenses following Ineligible Members policy.


Work Quarter Eligibility

7 CFR § 273.2(f)(1)(ii)(2)(A)-(B)(2)


Verification of qualifying work quarters is required. Verify work quarters through SSA.  


Verify last year’s and current work quarters not showing using any of the following sources, including but not limited to:

  • Income tax forms 
  • Pay stubs 
  • W-2 


See Qualifying Work Quarters Determination for the amount of earnings needed for each quarter.

Pending Dispute of Qualifying Work Quarters

7 CFR § 273.2(f)(1)(ii)(2)(B)(2)


The individual is an eligible non-citizen when: 

  • the individual disagrees with SSA’s finding of qualifying work quarters, and 
  • provides verification SSA is checking for more qualifying quarters.  


Approve the individual, if otherwise eligible, for SNAP up to 6 months from the date of SSA’s original finding.