Resolving INS Match Failures

Pam McConahay

Assoc Director, Compliance, Training & Lender

Relations, University of Oklahoma SWASFAA 2002

Primary vs SecondaryConfirmation is attempted between CPS and INS when a student indicates he is an eligible non-citizen AND he provides an Alien Registration Number (“A-Number”)

If the student fails to provide A-Number, no match is attempted.

SSASocial Security Administration (SSA) confirms U.S. citizenship

If SSA automated match fails to confirm citizenship for a U.S. citizen, documentation must be obtained by school to verify status. Documentation of U.S. citizen status is not submitted to any agency to confirm validity. The U.S. Department of State issues proof of citizenship to non-naturalized citizens, not INS or SSA.

INSImmigration & Naturalization Service (INS) confirms immigration status for non-citizens

If INS fails to confirm eligible non-citizen status via the automated match with CPS, an automated “secondary” confirmation is attempted. If INS still can’t confirm via automated secondary confirmation, school must obtain documents and submit them to INS for paper secondary confirmation (Form G-845S)

Resolving Match ProblemsFirst Step---Clean Up the Record

Bad demographic dataMistakes in spelling, DOB & A-Number

Double match attemptsBoth SSA & INS databases may have been checked; if student is confirmed by either, make sure citizenship status on ISIR is correct and use the appropriate match.

Clean up the ISIR via corrections

Automated Secondary Confirmation

Y= status confirmed, student is eligible for TIV aidC= in continuance, INS is re-checking. Wait 10 days for updated results before starting paper secondary confirmationN= not confirmed. Start paper process.X = INS needs more info. Start paper process.

Requesting DocumentsMake clear to students what type of document is acceptable, how & where to submit it

Specify deadlines (must give them at least 30 days)

Ineligible StudentsFamiliarize staff with common international student visas (J-series, F-series) so they can be counseled of ineligibility before completing the FAFSADon’t submit G-845S to INS for students whose documents clearly indicate they are ineligible.

Form G-845SReview documents before completing form; make sure student will be eligible non-citizen if document is valid.Always submit front & back copies of documents, even the new “hologram” cards Attach extra documentation, letters, etc. Track when you submit forms and followup

When INS Doesn’t Respond

Can you evaluate documents yourself?

Yes, if INS doesn’t respond within 15 business days ANDThere is no conflicting information ANDThe immigration status documents submitted by the student appear to meet the eligibility requirements

Can’t use non-response as confirmation in subsequent year.

ResourcesFederal Student Aid Handbook, Volume 1, Chapter 2

Guide to ISIRs, Appendix B, Database Matches and Flags

NASFAA Encyclopedia, General Program Administration, 1.11.1

INS National Customer Service Center 1-800-375-5283

www.ins.usdoj.gov District Offices Servicing SWASFAA:

Arkansas, Louisiana: U.S. Dept of Justice, Immigration & Naturalization Service, 701 Loyola Avenue, Rm T-8011, New Orleans, LA 70113Oklahoma, Texas: US Immigration & Naturalization Service, 8101 N. Stemmons Fwy, Dallas TX 75247New Mexico, Texas: USINS El Paso District Office, 1545 Hawkins Boulevard, Suite 167, El Paso, TX 79925

Pam McConahayAssoc. Director, Compliance, Training & Lender Relations,

University of Oklahoma Financial Aid Servicespmcconahay@ou.edu

405.325.4617