The SAVE data base can confirm a noncitizen's status but cannot refute it. Noncitizen status can be refuted only by secondary verification. A contradictory response from the SAVE verification or an absence of information on the SAVE does not necessarily mean that a noncitizen's documentation is not valid, since the SAVE data base may not be accurate or complete. The final determination of a document's validity can only be resolved in the secondary verification stage.
Reminder: Benefits cannot be delayed, denied, or reduced pending verification.
Here is an example of an SAVE response:
Following is further help in interpreting SAVE Response Details:
1. Applicant Status: Applicant's current immigration status or naturalized or derived United States citizenship information.
2. Case Verification Number: The system will provide a unique six digit Verification Number with the output from every query.
3. Class of Admission (COA) Code: INS has 250 alphanumeric codes that describe noncitizen immigration status. SAVE displays one of these codes when a query is performed.
4. Country of Citizenship: The first five letters of the country name will appear.
NOTE: Noncitizen's country of birth/origin is not necessarily their country of citizenship. Country of citizenship is the nation in which a person holds citizenship to which they owe allegiance and are entitled to protection. The country of citizenship will be the country that issues an individual a passport.
5. Date of Entry: This date represents the noncitizen’s most recent entry into the United States or the date they were admitted as a lawful permanent resident. USCIS uses numeric representation in the format MMDDYYYY.
6. Date Admitted to: This date represents when the noncitizens authorized period of stay/status in the U.S. expires.
Note: If there is no date in the field, it may state one of the following:
Indefinite – The applicant has no limit on how long they may remain in the U.S. For example, a lawful permanent resident would receive this response.
D/S - Stands for "duration of status." This means that a noncitizen's authorized stay in the U.S. is continuous so long as the person is still engaging in the activity associated with their citizen's immigration status. For example, a representative of a foreign government' or a student’s authorized stay continues for as long as they comply with the requirements associated with the status.
7. Grant Date: This date represents the date a specific immigration benefit or status is officially approved.
Updated September 26, 2025, replacing October 9, 2012