Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE)

SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) is an intergovernmental electronic service operated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It allows federal, state, and local benefit-granting agencies (such as state DMVs and BMVs) to verify the lawful presence and immigration status of applicants.

Operational Role in Vault

• BMV Verification Gateway: When Zai applies for or renews his Indiana driver’s license at an Indiana BMV branch, BMV staff input his immigration identifiers (such as A-Number A236243267, I-94 number 656166455A2, or I-797 receipt numbers) into SAVE.
• Multi-Stage Verification Process:
  • First Stage (Instant Verification): Queries automated DHS databases.
  • Second Stage (Additional Verification): If first stage is inconclusive, BMV submits an electronic inquiry requiring 3–5 business days.
  • Third Stage (Secondary/Manual Review): BMV scans paper documents (e.g. Form I-797C, COM approval letter, I-94) and transmits them to USCIS SAVE specialists for manual examination (takes 10–20 federal business days).
• SAVE Case Check: Applicants can track their SAVE case verification status online at https://www.uscis.gov/save/save-casecheck using their date of birth and case check reference number / A-number.

Relevant Protocols

• BMV Protocol: SAVE Verification