In the verification process, a participating agency validates an applicant's immigration status by inputting identifying information into the Verification Information System (VIS), which executes immigration status queries against a range of data sources. If VIS returns an immigration status and the benefit-issuing agency does not find a material discrepancy with the response and the documents provided by the applicant, the verification process is complete. Then, the agency may use that immigration status information in determining whether or not to issue the benefit.
In some cases, agencies that do not access the automated verification system may query USCIS by filing Form G-845. Although the Form G-845 does not require it, if needed certain agencies may also file the Form G-845 Supplement with the Form G-845, along with copies of immigration documents to receive additional information necessary to make their benefit determinations. These forms were developed to facilitate communication between all benefit-granting agencies and USCIS to ensure that basic information required to assess status verification requests is provided. USCIS is making minor revisions to the Form G-845 and is streamlining the Form G-845 Supplement with additional immigration statuses that are commonly requested by agencies in order to make their benefit determinations.
There has been an increase of 72,334 annual burden hours associated with this information collection. This increase can be attributed to a rise in the number of respondents due to increased registration of state and local agencies due to new state and local legislation, as well as more applicants applying for federal, state and local benefits during an economic downturn. For example, two new state driver's licensing agencies signed up to use the SAVE Program and started conducting queries in FY13.
Although USCIS is revising this collection, it does not estimate that the revisions will result in an increase in the time burden. USCIS is revising the information to incorporate form design and standard language updates, and to meet operational and customer needs.
While previously USCIS had combined all three information collection instructions into one information collection instruction in its previous information collection requests, USCIS will be completing separate entries for each information collection instruments (i.e., VIS Query, G-845, and G-845 Supplement) when it submits this updated information collection request in ROCIS.
There has been a decrease of $ 6,416,358 in the annual costs associated with this information collection. This decrease is a result of a technical fix of excluding the fees from the annual cost estimates as they are considered transferred.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Verification Information System & SAVE Case Check
SAVE PIA 006.pdf
G-845 Supporting Statement 12-17-14.doc
SAVE Case Check Landing Pages 12-9-14.docx
Verification Information System & SAVE Case Check