In most cases where SAVE verification is required, the CAO will initiate primary verification first. However, there are situations when the CAO should initiate secondary verification without completing primary verification. If one of the following situations exists, the CAO will initiate secondary verification immediately without requesting primary verification first:
Any one of the items presented as documentation appears to be counterfeit or altered.
A noncitizen presents unfamiliar USCIS documentation, or a document that indicates immigration status, but does not contain an A-Number.
The document contains an A-Number in the A60 000 000 series. This range has not yet been issued.
The document contains an A-Number in the A80 000 000 series. This range is used for illegal border crossings.
The document presented is any form of USCIS fee receipt, other than an I-689.
The document presented is a foreign passport and/or I-94 that bears the statement "Processed for I-551. Temporary Evidence of Lawful Admission for Permanent Residence" and the passport and/or I-94 endorsement is over one year old, or
The document presented is a Memorandum of Creation of Record of Lawful Permanent Residence (Form I-181a).
Updated September 26, 2025 replacing October 9, 2012