Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program

I-94 Automation

February 2012

SAVE Program 2April 19, 2023

Agenda PART I: I-94 Automation Overview

New, automated System

Two, separate I-94 Numbers

Immigration Status Verification

Persons without Passports

Questions

PART II: SAVE Best Practices

I-94 and Unexpired Foreign Passport

I-94 Alone

Unexpired Foreign Passport Alone

Unexpired Foreign Passport Number and G-845

Best Practices Summary

Customer Support and Training

Questions

I-94 Automation Overview New, automated I-94 system

Uses data Customs and Border Protection (CBP) already collects and

stores to create an electronic version of the paper I-94.

– Traditionally, CBP mailed a record of the I-94 data from each Port of Entry to a

processing center for manual data entry into a DHS database. This will cease.

Generates an electronic arrival record with all the data elements found on

the current paper I-94.

Instead of stamping a traveler’s paper I-94, CBP will stamp the passport.

Automation timetable not set, possibly this Spring, but it will begin with a

pilot and roll out nationwide in phases.

3April 19, 2023SAVE Program

I-94 Automation Overview (continued) Two, separate I-94 Numbers (Paper and Electronic)

Due to regulation, CBP will continue to issue paper I-94 forms to those

entering through air and sea crossings.

Number on the paper I-94 form will not correspond to the I-94 number that

exists in the newly automated CBP systems.

Immigration Status Verification

Pre-printed paper I-94 Numbers will not permit verification of immigration

status because it does not relate to the traveler’s actual record.

I-94s issued before CBP’s changed policy and I-94s USCIS issues for

change/extension of status can still be used to verify immigration status.

SAVE Program 4April 19, 2023

I-94 Automation (continued) Persons without Passports

Includes refugees, asylee follow-to-joins, parolees, and others without a

travel document.

Will go through CBP secondary inspection upon arrival into U.S., where

they will receive their electronic I-94 number.

These individuals will have a paper I-94 with the pre-printed number

crossed out, and the actual electronic I-94 number handwritten upon it.

For verification purposes, agencies should enter the handwritten I-94

number into SAVE.

SAVE Program 5April 19, 2023

Questions?

Best Practices

Applicants with an I-94 and Unexpired Foreign Passport

If both the I-94 and Unexpired Foreign Passport are available, agencies

should choose the “I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) in Unexpired Foreign

Passport” document type to run their SAVE query.

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“I-94 in Unexpired Foreign Passport” Document Type

Best Practices (continued)

Applicants with an I-94 alone

When an applicant presents only an I-94, SAVE encourages agencies to

ask the applicant if he or she has an Unexpired Foreign Passport (in most

cases, they will).

– If they do, use the “I-94 in Unexpired Foreign Passport” document type.

If the applicant does not have a Passport or other travel document, and only

has an I-94, agencies should use the “I-94” or “Other” Document Type.

SAVE Program 9April 19, 2023

or

Best Practices (continued) Applicants with an Unexpired Foreign Passport alone

When an applicant presents only an Unexpired Foreign Passport, an

agency should ask the applicant if he or she has a paper I-94.

– If they do, use the “I-94 in Unexpired Foreign Passport” document type.

If the applicant does not have an I-94, and only an Unexpired Foreign

Passport, the agency should choose the “Unexpired Foreign Passport”

document type.

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“Unexpired Foreign Passport” Document Type

Optional I-94 Number field

Can be used to verify WT/WB

applicants

Unexpired Foreign Passport Number & G-845

SAVE Program 12January 25, 2012

When available,

write Unexpired

Foreign Passport Number

here

3rd Step Electronic VersionManual Version

Unexpired Foreign Passport Number & G-845 (continued)

SAVE Program 13January 25, 2012

3rd Step Electronic VersionManual Version

When making copies of the Unexpired Foreign Passport,

agencies must make a copy of both the biographic information

page and the page with the CBP Admission stamp on it.

!

Best Practices Summary When an applicant presents an I-94 and Unexpired Foreign Passport, select

the “I-94 in Unexpired Foreign Passport” document type to run your SAVE

query.

When an applicant presents an I-94 alone, ask if they have an Unexpired

Foreign Passport. If applicant has passport, select the “I-94 in Unexpired Foreign Passport” document type.

If applicant does not have passport, select the “I-94” or “Other’ document type.

When an applicant presents an Unexpired Foreign Passport alone, ask if

they have an I-94. If applicant has an I-94, select the “I-94 in Unexpired Foreign Passport” document type.

If applicant does not have an I-94, select the “Unexpired Foreign Passport” document type.

SAVE Program 14April 19, 2023

Best Practices Summary (continued)

When copying a passport for G-845 requests, copy both the biographic

page and the page with the CBP admission stamp on it.

When presented with an I-94 with a handwritten I-94 Number on it by a

refugee, asylee follow-to-join, parolee or other individual, enter the

handwritten I-94 number into SAVE for your query.

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SAVE Program 16April 19, 2023

Customer Support and TrainingCustomerSupport

Types of InquiriesContact Information (Agency Use Only)

ProgramAssistance

• Program-wide inquiries• Program policies and procedures• Registration questions/concerns

Phone: (877) 469-2563 8:00am to 5:00pm Local Time,

Monday through Friday

Email: SAVE.help@dhs.gov

TechnicalSupport

• Technical problems/questions regarding the SAVE system• Inability to gain access• System failures• Unusually slow response times

Phone: (800) 741-5023 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a

Week

CaseStatusSupport

• Status of electronic verification requests pending over 10 federal working days

• Form G-845 requests pending over 20 federal working days• DHS Case in Continuance pending over 20 federal working days Please be sure to have the case verification number available when making

your inquiry.

Phone: (877) 469-25638:00am to 5:00pm Local Time,

Monday through Friday

SAVEProgramWebsite

• SAVE Program information, including governing laws, transaction charges, the verification process, and training opportunities

• Registration process details• Request a SAVE Training Webinar

www.uscis.gov/save

USCISWebsite

• USCIS policies and resources• Immigration and naturalization questions

www.uscis.gov

Questions?