Secondary verification is a manual process which provides a more extensive search of automated and paper USCIS files. It must be completed prior to the delay, denial, reduction, or termination of a benefit to any noncitizen applicant for reasons of immigration status.
To obtain secondary verification the CAO will:
Complete a Department of Homeland Security, USCIS PA 1612 (Document Verification Request Form G-845S) (See Appendix A) for each noncitizen applicant. This form must contain enough information to identify the noncitizen. The following numbers correspond to the numbered spaces on the PA 1612 (Document Verification Request Form G-845S) and provide guidance in completing this form. Two other acceptable versions of the form are:
Form G-845S (Rev. 1/31/05) N (Prior versions may be used until 06/30/05) (See Appendix A)
Form G-845 (Rev. ( 06/14/00) Y (See Appendix A)
NOTE: The same form G-845S, PA 1612, or G-845 that was used for primary verification may be reused for secondary verification.
1. Alien Registration Number (A-Number) or I-94 Number: Enter the A-Number as the letter "A" followed by a series of seven or eight digits. Include also the Admission Number if one is available. The admission Number is found on Form I-94. Do not use a Departure Number in this space.
2. Applicant's Name: If documentation indicates more than one variation of the name, enter all versions. See Appendix B for help with Hispanic names.
3. Nationality: Enter the foreign nation or country to which the applicant owes legal allegiance. this is usually, but not always, the county of birth.
4. Date of Birth: Enter the birth date using the format MMDDYY. If the complete date of birth is not known, give any available information.
5. Social Security Number: Enter the noncitizen's Social Security Number, if known.
6. Verification Number: Enter the six digit Verification Number shown on the ASVI print-out, if primary verification was obtained.
7. Photocopy of Document Attached/Other Information Attached: Indicate that USCIS documentation is attached by checking the top box. Use the bottom box if other information has been included in support or in lieu of USCIS documents. Copy front and back of all documentation.
8. Benefit/Your Case Number: Mark the blocks showing the benefit program(s) for which this alien has applied. Show applicable case numbers or indicate "pending," if a case number has not yet been assigned.
The CAO will provide name, title, telephone number, and the current date in the spaces provided. The CAO must enter the name and address of the CAO in the block labeled "From." If not provided, USCIS will not return the form.
Attach copies of all printed sides or pages of the noncitizen's USCIS documentation to the PA 1612 (Document Verification Request Form G-845S) (See Appendix A) with a single staple. If this form is sent to USCIS without copies of INS documents, it will be returned without a status determination. The attachments should include identification bearing a photograph of the noncitizen applicant. Copies of other pertinent documents, such as marriage record or court order, may be included.
Retain a copy of the form G-845S, PA 1612, or G-845 in the case record along with copies of the noncitizen's INS documentation. The CAO will discard the form G-845S, PA 1612, or G-845 copy after the completed original is returned, and
Mail the original form G-845S, PA 1612, or G-845 and the attached copies of the noncitizen's INS documentation to the following USCIS address:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Attn: Immigration Status Verification Unit
10 Fountain Plaza, 3rd Floor
Buffalo, NY 14202
After the USCIS returns the form G-845S, PA 1612, or G-845, the CAO will examine the USCIS response to determine if the noncitizen has lawful immigration status and if the noncitizen's status allows eligibility for assistance. See the noncitizen status charts in the Citizen/Noncitizen Chapters on the program handbooks for help in determining noncitizen eligibility. The CAO makes the actual decision regarding eligibility. USCIS only reports noncitizen status.
The CAO will retain the completed form G-845S, PA 1612, or G-845 and its attachments in the case record permanently.
Reissued February 23, 2016, Replacing October 9, 2012