Transcript Resolving INS Match Failures

Resolving INS Match Failures
Pam McConahay
Assoc Director, Compliance, Training & Lender Relations,
University of Oklahoma
SWASFAA 2002
Primary vs Secondary
Confirmation is attempted between CPS
and INS when a student indicates he is
an eligible non-citizen AND he provides
an Alien Registration Number (“ANumber”)
If the student fails to provide A-Number,
no match is attempted.
SSA
Social 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.
INS
Immigration & 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 Problems
First Step---Clean Up the Record
Bad demographic data
Mistakes in spelling, DOB & A-Number
Double match attempts
Both 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 aid
C= in continuance, INS is re-checking.
Wait 10 days for updated results before
starting paper secondary confirmation
N= not confirmed. Start paper process.
X = INS needs more info. Start paper
process.
Requesting Documents
Make clear to students what type of
document is acceptable, how & where
to submit it
Specify deadlines (must give them at
least 30 days)
Ineligible Students
Familiarize staff with common
international student visas (J-series, Fseries) so they can be counseled of
ineligibility before completing the FAFSA
Don’t submit G-845S to INS for
students whose documents clearly
indicate they are ineligible.
Form G-845S
Review 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 AND
There is no conflicting information AND
The immigration status documents
submitted by the student appear to meet
the eligibility requirements
Can’t use non-response as confirmation
in subsequent year.
Resources
Federal 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 70113
Oklahoma,
Texas:
US
Immigration
&
Naturalization Service, 8101 N. Stemmons Fwy,
Dallas TX 75247
New Mexico, Texas: USINS El Paso District Office,
1545 Hawkins Boulevard, Suite 167, El Paso, TX
79925
Pam McConahay
Assoc. Director, Compliance, Training &
Lender Relations,
University of Oklahoma
Financial Aid Services
[email protected]
405.325.4617