Chapter_7_Special_Cases_(UKVISA2).pdf

Chapter 7

Benefit Procedure – Special Cases

ASC Standard Operating Procedures

Chapter 7: Benefit Procedure – Special Cases

2015 Edition March 2015

7 - 2

Introduction: This chapter is designed to provide standardized step-by-step operating procedures at each Application Support Center (ASC) to ensure a consistent process is used in planning and conducting ASC mobile fingerprint routes (Section A), in processing certain designated benefits (Section B), and supporting Biometrics as a Service (Section C). As USCIS determines other special benefits, those benefits will be added as appropriate sub-sections.

Current designated special benefit applications are:

Form I-589, Application for Asylum;

Forms I-914 & I-918, Application for “T” and “U” Non-immigrant Status;

Code - 4, Extension Sticker Only Benefits;

N-400 Applicant Pamphlets;

Expedited I-131 applicants;

Form I-360 Juvenile applicants; and

Military Naturalization N-400 applicants.

Biometrics as a Service (BaaS) include:

UKVI applicants, and

Canadian Visa applicants.

Table of Sections

Section 7.A: Mobile Fingerprint Routes

Background Operational Policies & Procedures

Section A Attachments

Section 7.B: Designated Benefits

1. Form I-589: Asylum Applicants

Operational Procedures

2. Forms I-914 & I-918: “T” and “U” Non-immigrant Status Applicants

Background

Operational Procedures

3. Code - 4: Extension-Sticker Only Benefits

Background

Operational Procedures

4. N-400 Applicant Pamphlets

Operational Procedures

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5. Expedited I-131 Applicants

Operational Policy & Procedures

6. Form I-360 “Juvenile” Applicants

Background

Operational Policy & Procedures

7. Military Naturalization N-400 Applicants

Operational Policy & Procedures

Section 7.C: Biometrics as a Service (BaaS)

1. BaaS Processing 1. Form UKVI – UKVI Applicants

2. BaaS Processing 2. Form Canada Visa – Canadian Visa Applicants

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7.A - 1

Section 7.A: Mobile Fingerprint Routes

Background: Mobile fingerprint routes were initiated in 1998 to expand the accessibility of fingerprinting services to applicants applying for USCIS benefits. The program was established in an effort to accommodate the needs of a specific population not located in close proximity to an established ASC. Mobile fingerprint routes are conducted at a number of hosting facilities, e.g., local USCIS offices, Community Based Organizations (CBO), and law enforcement agencies. If special logistical circumstances exist, “outreach” programs may be instituted to meet a unique demand, e.g. homebound applicants, in a given area.

Operational Policies & Procedures: The following operational policies and procedures shall be used in planning and conducting ASC mobile fingerprint routes.

Mobile Fingerprint Routes: Mobile fingerprint route responsibilities are not assigned to each

ASC. Attachment 7.A-A lists those ASCs responsible for mobile routes.

Service Dates and Times: To provide quality customer service, mobile routes will be scheduled and conducted on a routine basis: monthly, every six weeks, every other month, or quarterly. At a minimum, each mobile route will be conducted quarterly so that applicants do not have to wait more than three months to have their biometrics captured. USCIS ASC Immigration Services

Officers will determine the frequency of the mobile route based on analysis of historical data and their best judgment. If for some reason an ASC ISO cannot conduct a mobile route monthly, every six weeks, every other month, or quarterly as planned, s/he should immediately request an exception from the Biometrics Division (BD). Once the ASC ISO has determined the frequency for each of her/his assigned mobile routes, s/he should coordinate with her/his host facility to establish exact dates for the entire fiscal year. Every attempt should be made to arrange for the mobile route to occur on the same day(s)/week(s)/month of the week/month/quarter. Once the dates are confirmed, the fiscal year schedule should be submitted to the BD not later than 1

August.

At the end of each quarter, the ASC ISO should confirm her/his mobile route schedule for the following quarter and submit the confirmation to BD not later than the end of the first week of the quarter.

Mobile Fingerprint Route Scheduling: Applicants requiring benefits processing to fulfill naturalization and some adjustment-of-status requirements are currently scheduled by the

National Appointment Scheduling System (NASS). To schedule non-N - 400 applicants requiring mobile route support, service centers and district offices will print out a copy of the mobile route fingerprint notice, leaving the date and time spaces blank. The service centers and district offices will forward these notices to the appropriate ASC ISO. The ASC ISO will be responsible for assembling the notices, confirming mobile route arrangements, completing the notification by filling in the date and time spaces, and mailing the completed notice to the applicants. During the month prior to the planned mobile route, using the Mobile Route

Scheduling Sheet (MRSS), Attachment 7.A – B, the BD Scheduling Coordinator will notify the

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7.A - 2 appropriate ASC ISO of the number of applicants that have been scheduled by NASS. The ASC

ISO conducting the mobile route, using USCIS instructions as depicted at Attachment 7.A – B, is in turn responsible for completing the MRSS by adding in the number of applicants scheduled by the service centers and district offices. Once completed, the MRSS should be returned to the BD

Scheduling Coordinator not later than 25 days prior to the start date of the mobile route who will then provide the ASC ISO confirmation of the mobile route schedule by providing a Mobile

Route Scheduling Confirmation Notice (Attachment 7.A – C) to finalize the execution of the mobile route. When contract staff personnel are required to support the route because of the number of applicants to be printed, the ASC ISO must notify the Site Supervisor as soon as possible so that the necessary arrangements can be made to adequately support the route.

Unscheduled Mobile Fingerprint Routes: USCIS field offices may desire to operate ASC mobile fingerprint routes at locations, or on dates, that are not part of the routine mobile fingerprint route schedule. USCIS local field offices are not authorized to task ASC contract staff to conduct unscheduled mobile fingerprint routes without prior approval by BD (through the USCIS regional managers). A minimum of a four-week lead-time is normally required to make the necessary arrangements for unscheduled mobile fingerprint routes. (For Homebound cases, see Chapter 8.D: Homebound Applicants.)

Applicant Scheduling: The ASC ISO shall use the standardized step-by-step procedures in

Chapter 8, “Administrative Procedures,” to schedule applicants for mobile fingerprint routes.

Staffing Requirements: The minimum staffing requirement to conduct a mobile fingerprint route is an USCIS mobile route representative. There is no requirement for ASC contract staff to be assigned to each mobile fingerprint route. If low applicant volume is anticipated, it is expected that the USCIS mobile route representative will travel by her/himself and perform all mobile fingerprint route responsibilities. Under no circumstances are ASC contract staff to conduct mobile fingerprint routes without the presence and support of an USCIS mobile fingerprint route representative. The following table is provided to assist ASC ISOs in determining mobile fingerprint route staffing requirements.

Mobile Fingerprint Staffing Requirements

Number of Applicants

Scheduled

Staffing

20 or less USCIS mobile route representative

21 - 40 USCIS mobile route representative and one contract ASC biometrics technician

41 or more USCIS mobile route representative and two contract ASC biometrics technicians

Instances may occur where the hosting facility is only available for a limited period of time and the number of applicants scheduled require more than the standard six prints per hours. In these situations, additional biometrics technicians may be required.

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Fingerprinting Procedures: Laptop computers and the standardized step-by-step operating procedures in this SOP shall be used to fingerprint applicants during mobile fingerprint route processing. Depending on the method used (manual or biometrics), batched Form FD - 258 cards and 1 - D barcode manifests should be forwarded to the ASC’s supporting service center at the completion of the workday prior to departing the hosting facility. If the batched Form - 258 cards and 1 - D barcode manifests cannot be forwarded prior to departing the hosting facility, store in a secure manner and forward to the appropriate service center immediately upon arrival at the originating ASC.

If the laptop computer is inoperative, the applicant’s Form FD - 258 biographical data shall be entered manually on the FD - 258 cards. Mobile fingerprint route representatives/contract ASC biometrics technicians shall not wait until returning to the originating ASC to enter the applicant’s Form FD - 258 biographical data.

Mobile Fingerprint Route Responsibilities: Tasks and responsibilities assigned to contract staff and the ASC ISO must be modified when conducting mobile fingerprint routes based on mobile fingerprint route staffing.

The primary function of the contract staff on mobile routes is to provide applicant fingerprint services. The primary function of the USCIS representative is to reconcile differences between applicant appointment notification letters, A-numbers, and dates of birth; verify applicant identification documents (ID); perform quality assurance checks; and interpret USCIS policy.

However, to ensure a steady flow of applicant fingerprint services, the USCIS representative shall fingerprint applicants when required.

Workday: The workday for conducting mobile fingerprint routes is eight hours. If mobile fingerprint route responsibilities conclude and return to the originating ASC will result in an arrival time surpassing an eight-hour workday, the mobile route representatives shall secure lodging and return to the ASC the following day. If mobile route representatives are delayed for any reason, i.e. storm, vehicle repair, etc., the originating Site Supervisor shall be notified immediately. If mobile fingerprint route representatives elect to return to the originating ASC even though travel time will extend the workday beyond eight hours, overtime pay to compensate mobile route representatives is not authorized.

Supplies: Fingerprint supplies required for conducting mobile fingerprint routes are part of the standard inventory maintained at an ASC (Attachment 7.A – D). The mobile fingerprint route representatives are responsible for ensuring all required supplies are available prior to conducting a mobile fingerprint route.

Computer Equipment: USCIS has provided each ASC assigned mobile fingerprint route responsibilities with a laptop computer and the required peripherals. If the ASC Immigration

Services Officer requires additional Mobile Route Fingerprinting Sets (laptops, printers, print stands, cables, etc.) to accommodate a large number of applicants, the ASC Immigration

Services Officer should coordinate with the appropriate Region/District to obtain the required

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7.A - 4 equipment. If the mobile fingerprint route representatives experience any problems with the computer equipment, peripherals, or software, contact the USCIS Service Desk.

Security: Mobile fingerprint route representatives shall ensure all mobile fingerprint route supplies and computer equipment is properly secured.

Statistical Report: The USCIS mobile route representative shall complete and forward

Attachment 7.A – E to the USCIS Project Management Office (PMO), Operations via email or fax after completing the mobile fingerprint routes.

Travel Authorization and Advance Form Approval: The Site Supervisor shall prepare a Travel

Authorization Request for each ASC contract staff member assigned to the mobile route(s) at least two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled route. Upon signature by the traveling ASC staff member, the Site Supervisor shall forward the request to the contract Regional Manager/Deputy

Regional Manager for review and signature. The contract Regional Manager/Deputy Regional

Manager shall forward the request to the contract USCIS On-Site Manager for approval by the

Biometrics Division Chief. The originating Site Supervisor is responsible for following-up and monitoring the status of all travel authorization requests.

Lodging Reservations & Accommodations: Lodging reservations and accommodations (to include local travel) for mobile fingerprint routes overnight stays shall be made by the originating Site Supervisor and/or the USCIS representative.

Hosting Facility Arrival: Upon arrival at the hosting mobile fingerprint route facility, mobile fingerprint route representative(s) shall contact the hosting facility point of contact, unload equipment, and assemble the fingerprint workstation. If applicant-processing signage is required, the mobile fingerprint route representatives shall use the laptop computer and printer to produce the sign(s).

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7.A Attachments

Section 7.A Attachments

A – ASCs Responsible for Mobile Routes

B – Mobile Route Scheduling Sheet

C – Mobile Route Scheduling Confirmation Notice

D – Mobile Fingerprint Route Checklist

E – Mobile Route Statistical Report

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7.A - A

ASCs Responsible for Mobile Routes

Mobile Fingerprint Routes

Originating ASC Mobile Fingerprint

Route Location

Frequency

Days

XAA - Anchorage XGA - Nome As needed (rare) Tuesday-Wednesday

XGB - Kodiak Quarterly (Feb, May, Aug, Nov)

Tuesday-Wednesday

XGD - Fairbanks Quarterly (Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct)

Tuesday-Wednesday

XGE - Juneau Quarterly (Mar, Jun, Sep, Dec)

Tuesday-Wednesday

XGF - Ketchikan Same as Juneau Tuesday-Wednesday

XGG - Dutch Harbor As needed Tuesday-Wednesday

Attachment 7.A – A

A S

C /C

O L

O S ta n d a rd O p era tin g

P ro ced u res

A ttach m en t 7 .A

B

E d itio n

M arch

.A

- B

Mobile Route Scheduling Sheet

Mobile Route: District:

USCIS Contact: ASC of Origin:

Contact Phone: Fax Number:

Will the Mobile Route be run this month? (CHECK ONE)

YES NO

FREQUENCY (please check one) Monthly Bi-Monthly Quarterly

Please enter the number of applicants that should be scheduled from each of these sources.

Source of Scheduling

Applicants in Queue Enter the Number of Applicants to be Scheduled from

Each Source

National (EE) Scheduler

ESC

NSC

SSC

WSC

Local USCIS Field Office

TOTAL

Please indicate dates and hours of operation for this Mobile Route (indicate travel days affected or local only scheduled)

Date Hours of Operation EE (per hour) SNAP (per hour) Local (per hour) Travel Day / Local ONLY

Please complete this form and return to HQOFO, ASC and Security Branch as soon as possible.

COMMENTS:

Attachment 7.A – C 2015 Edition

7.A - C e

Mobile Route Scheduling Confirmation Notice

Mobile Route: District:

USCIS Contact: ASC of Origin:

Contact Phone:

Fax Number:

FREQUENCY: please check on Weekly Bi-Monthly Quarterly

Number of Applicants

Scheduled

National (EE) Scheduler ESC NSC SSC WSC

8:00 9:00 1 0:00 1 1:00 1 2:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 Local Total Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

*NOTE: This form is designed to confirm that your mobile route has been scheduled for the correct days and hours and to inform you of the actual number of applicants that have been given appointments by the National Scheduler and SNAP Service Center Scheduling systems. Please contact the OFO Mobile Route Program Coordinator at 202 272-1039 immediately if the above information is incorrect.

Attachment 7.A – D 2015 Edition

7.A - D

Mobile Fingerprint Route Checklist

Supplies Comments

FD-258 Cards

Postmortem Strips (LH & RH)

Postmortem Spoon

Gloves

Corn Huskers Lotion

Rubber Bands

Paper Towels

Moist Towelettes

9x12 Envelopes

File Folders

Ink

Roller

Print stand(s)

Waterless Ink Remover

Glue

Mailing Air-bills and Pockets

N-400 Handouts (Pamphlet M-638)

Trash Bags

Comment Cards

Magnifying Glass

Scissors

Tape

Clip Boards, Ink Pens, Pencils, AIWs

Equipment

Laptop with current Software Version

Printer, Barcode Scanner, Camera

Printer Table

Extension Cords(s), Other Peripherals

Biometrics Technicians Assigned

Date of Route: Destination:

District: Office:

Supervisor or ASC Biometrics Technician Signature:

USCIS Representative Signature:

A ttach m en t 7 .A

E

E d itio n

M arch

.A

- E

Mobile Route Statistical Report

Date Trip Began Date(s) Printing Date Trip Ended

Route(s) Name Site Name

USCIS Rep Name Site telephone Extension Fax #

ASC or COLO

Biometrics Technician(s) Supervisor

Mobile Equipment Statistics Fingerprint Production

Manual Computer Printer Cart Number of Prints Special Retakes

Print Kit Applicants Cases

Staffing & Hours Expended Round Trip Travel Time Number of Fingerprint Operators Hours

Day of Applicants Per Hour the Week Date 8-9 AM 9-10 AM 10-11 AM 11-12 PM 12-1 PM 1-2 PM 2-3 PM 3-4 PM 4-5 PM 5-6 PM 6-7 PM 7-8 PM TOTAL

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Totals

Comments/

Narrative Type Route: Mobile or Outreach

Waiting - Prior to Opening MON. TUES. WED. THURS. FRI.

SUPERVISOR SIGNATURE:

Mobile Route Form-1 02/14/2006 Pg. of

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7.B.1 - 1

Section 7.B: Designated Benefits

Designated Benefit 1. Form I-589 – Asylum Applicants

Background: Asylum applicants file a Form I-589 with a service center to seek protection and immunity from extradition by the United States to foreign countries. A Form I-589 is processed at the service center by entering the asylum applicant’s information in the Refugee Asylum

Parole System (RAPS). This information should also appear in the CLAIMS Mainframe system.

The service center then schedules the asylum applicant by mail for fingerprinting at an ASC.

Often the situations that cause asylum applicants to flee their country leave them with limited or no forms of identification. In these cases, the ASC used to be required to produce two separate

Form FD - 258 cards: one Form FD - 258 card was processed normally through a Service Center and the other was forwarded to the Asylum Office having jurisdiction over the applicant.

However, with the advent of technologies and US Visit databases, ASCs NO LONGER need to produce manual cards. These asylum applicants will be processed on the biometrics machines as a Code - 3.

Operational Procedures: All ASCs shall follow these procedures when processing Form

I-589 applicants.

Appointment Notification Letters: Asylum applicants appearing for fingerprinting without an appointment notification letter shall be referred to the ASC ISO. ASC ISO should check the

CLAIMS Mainframe to determine if the asylum applicant has been entered into CLAIMS

Mainframe. Family members appearing at the ASC with the asylum applicant whose names do not appear on the Appointment Notice should also be processed along with the applicant.

Appointment notification letters of asylum applicants and any family members should be stamped with the ASC’s biometrics stamp, the date, and the site code. The original annotated notice returned to the applicant as evidence of her/his appearance at the ASC. If the applicant did not bring her/his appointment notice, and CLAIMS Mainframe confirms her/his identity, then provide the applicant appropriate documentation or evidence of her/his appearance at the

ASC.

Identification: Proper identification for asylum applicants includes an USCIS-issued photo identification document (ID), a state-issued driver’s license, a state-issued ID card, or any country’s official ID, i.e. passport, driver’s license, etc.

If the asylum applicant does not have the required identification, the ASC staff shall refer the applicant to the ASC ISO. The ASC ISO will use the best form of identification the applicant has to make a positive identification. However, asylum applicants (and family members without identification) appearing for fingerprinting without proper identification will still be processed.

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7.B.1 - 2

All I-589 applicants, whether or not they have proper identification, will be processed using the procedures in Chapter 5, Benefit Procedures – Code -3 (Both). Obviously if the asylum applicant is NOT able to be fingerprinted electronically using the biometrics capture machines, the applicant will be processed as a manual Code-1 “ink print” and the subsequent FD-258 card sent to the appropriate service center. (The procedures for taking a second set of fingerprints for applicants that the ASC is certain will become a rejected file will be followed when appropriate.)

Remember to take the “Code - 2 – PPPS” portion of the process on the biometrics workstation.

Special Cases: Sometimes asylum applicants will show up with both an I-589 and also an I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, appointment notices. The following procedures will be used in those cases where the asylum applicant shows up with both an I-589 AND an I-765 notice.

Both benefits require Code-3 processing. Rather than processing the individual twice, once for the I-589 and again for the I-765, process the asylum applicant as follows:

1. Do the Code-1 portion of the processing using only the I-589 receipt number. Scan the

2-D barcode from the I-589 appointment notice.

2. Do the Code-2 portion of the processing as a concurrent case type and insert both the I-

589 AND the I-765 receipt numbers in the “Receipt Number” data field.

3. Complete the processing as per Chapter 5.

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7.B.2 - 1

Designated Benefit 2. Forms I-914 & I-918 – “T” and “U” Non-immigrant Status

Applicants

Background: Applicants who are victims of severe forms of trafficking-in-persons file Form

I-914, Application for “T” Non-immigrant Status, to receive temporary immigration benefits for themselves and their immediate family members. Applicants who are victims of certain crimes and are cooperating with law enforcement file Form I-918, Petition for “U” Non-immigrant

Status. Both Form I-914 and Form I-918 are processed exclusively at the Vermont Service

Center who then schedules the applicant for fingerprinting at an ASC.

Often the situations that cause victims to flee their country leave them with limited or no forms of identification or the inability to obtain passports. Thus, Form I-914 and Form I-918 applicants may often arrive at the ASC with limited or no forms of identification. When this occurs, Form

I-914 and Form I-918 applicants will be printed using the procedures in Chapter 5 for Code - 3 processing.

Operational Procedures: All ASCs shall follow these procedures when processing Form

I-914 and/or Form I-918 applicants.

Appointment Notification Letters: Form I-914 and Form I-918 applicants appearing for fingerprinting without an appointment notification letter shall be referred to the ASC ISO. The

ASC ISO should check CLAIMS - 3 to verify the applicant has filed a Form I-914 or Form I-918 application.

Identification: Proper identification for Form I-914 and Form I-918 applicants includes an

USCIS-issued photo identification document (ID), a state-issued driver’s license, a state-issued

ID card, or any country’s official ID, i.e. passport, driver’s license, etc. If the Form I-914 or

I-918 applicant does not have the required identification, the ASC staff shall refer the applicant to the ASC ISO.

The ASC ISO will use the best form of identification the applicant has to make a positive identification. Form I-914 applicants (and family members without proper identification) and the Form I-918 applicants appearing for fingerprinting without proper identification will still be processed. Fingerprinting should be accomplished using the procedures in Chapter 5 for

Code - 3 processing. There is no requirement to print out FD - 258 cards for Form I-914 and

Form I-918 applicants.

Form I-914 and Form I-918 applicants appearing for fingerprinting with proper identification may be processed using the standardized step-by-step procedures in Chapter 5 for Code - 3 processing.

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7.B.3 - 1

Designated Benefit 3. Code - 4 – Extension-Sticker Only Benefits

Background: From time to time, USCIS is directed to support national programs that extend benefits to designated benefit-status applicants. Rather than process these applicants under the normal Codes - 1, - 2, or - 3 procedures, USCIS may direct a more stream-lined process of just issuing extension stickers to qualified applicants. Some Temporary Protective Status (TPS) applicants, among others, may be the beneficiaries of these stream-lined procedures.

Operational Policies: All ASCs shall follow these “Code - 4” extension-sticker only procedures when so directed.

Appointment Notification Letters: “Code - 4” applicants will appear with an I-797 appointment notification specifically showing a “4” in the Code box (under the date box) on the notice.

Identification: Proper identification for “Code - 4” applicants includes the USCIS-issued photo identification document (ID) upon which the sticker will be applied. Other forms of identification can include a state-issued driver’s license, a state-issued ID card, or any country’s official ID, i.e. passport, driver’s license, etc. However, the USCIS-issued document must be presented so that the sticker can be applied. If an applicant appears without the required card, the applicant cannot be processed until s/he returns with the required benefit card.

Required Documentation: The following documentation is required to complete extension sticker application for the specified benefit.

• Picture ID. All applicants shall present acceptable picture identification (ID) prior to being processed. Acceptable ID includes a USCIS-issued photo identification document, e.g., Form I-766 or Form I-551, state-issued driver’s license picture ID, state-issued picture ID card, or any country’s official picture ID, i.e. passport, driver’s license, etc. If an applicant does not have the applicable picture ID card upon which the extension sticker is to be affixed, refer the applicant to the ASC ISO.

• Receipt Number. Applicants will receive a SNAP-developed Form I-797 appointment notice from a service center. If an applicant holds acceptable picture ID, ASC contract staff shall accept a photocopy of the I-797 appointment notice.

Operational Procedures:

Unless special USCIS direction otherwise, Code - 4 applicants will only have an extension sticker applied to the back of the applicant’s appropriate benefit card. The following procedures will be used to punch the extension date on the sticker, apply the sticker, record the number, account for the sticker issuance, and close out required daily reports.

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7.B.3 - 2

Processing Code - 4: Extension-Sticker Only Applicants

Step Action

1 Greet the customer and confirm that s/he has the original I-797 service center appointment letter and her/his required card (EAD, I-551, etc). (If not, dismiss the customer and tell them to come back with the required documents.) If you suspect a fraudulent document, refer the customer to the ASC ISO. If the customer insists that they have lost their required card, process them according to the special instructions provided by the USCIS ASC and Security Branch for the specific Code-4 application in question.

2 Take the customer’s appointment notice and card.

3 Using the next serialized extension sticker and a 1/8 th

-inch hole punch, punch a hole through the extension sticker marking the month and year that are directed by USCIS for the particular benefit being extended. For example, an EAD card may be authorized an extension of 12 months beyond the current expiration date of the card.

So, if the current card expires in July 2006, the extension sticker would be punched with July as the month and 2007 as the year, thus extending the card 12 months.

4 Apply the hole-punched sticker to the back of the benefit card, below the 1-D barcode top line and above the outline box with the sentences that begin with “This card is not evidence of U.S. citizenship or …”.

5 Write the number of the extension sticker applied to the benefit card on the applicant’s original I-797 appointment notice.

6 Stamp the original appointment notice with the ASC processing stamp and complete the date and time.

7 Give the applicant back her/his benefit card with the extension sticker attached. (The site will keep the original annotated appointment notice. If the applicant insists on having a copy, the site can make a copy of the annotated appointment notice for the applicant.)

8 Dismiss the applicant and begin processing the next customer.

9 At the end of the day, or when time permits, record all the issued stickers in CPMS -

ESI.

10 Using the processed appointment notices, complete the CPMS-ESI data entry processing steps (as detailed in Chapter 2).

11 Count the number of appointment notices processed at the end of the work day and enter as Code - 4 total processed on the daily production reports.

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7.B.4 - 1

Designated Benefit 4. N-400 Applicant Pamphlets

Background: USCIS has requested that the ASC Program support its outreach efforts by providing a special pamphlet to N - 400 applicants that appear for processing.

Operational Policies: All ASCs shall follow these special “N - 400” processing requirements in addition to the normal N-400 benefit procedures.

Appointment Notification Letters: When an applicant brings her/his paperwork to the receptionist for review and further processing, the receptionist needs to check to see if this is an

N-400 applicant. If it is a N - 400 applicant, the receptionist will provide the applicant with one copy of the USCIS Pamphlet M - 638, “Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons.”

The receptionist will continue to complete the AIW review and further processing as per the benefit to be processed.

Required Documentation: A N - 400 appointment notice with proper identification is required.

Receptionist: Once confirmed that the applicant is seeking a N-400 benefit, provide the applicant with one copy of the USCIS Pamphlet M - 638, “Learn About the United States:

Quick Civics Lessons.” Continue to process the applicant as per the benefit to be processed.

Site Supervisor: Assure sufficient quantities of USCIS Pamphlet M - 638, “Learn About the

United States: Quick Civics Lessons” are on hand.

Ordering Additional Pamphlets: The Document Services Division, which oversees USCIS’

Form Centers, instituted its Document Service Management System (DSMS). In order to use the

DSMS to order additional pamphlets, ASC ISOs and Site Supervisors need to take the DSMS training and have an account set up for each ASC. Information on DSMS training classes, materials, and frequently asked questions, are available at the DSMS Training website on

USCIS’ Enterprise Collaboration Network (ECN) at this link:

http://ecn.uscis.dhs.gov/team/mgmt/Offices/OIDP/IDP/DSB/dsms/default.aspx .

Note: The M-638 Pamphlet comes in boxes of 100 pamphlets. So, assure the order is for the correct quantity desired, i.e., if you want 200 pamphlets, order two (2) boxes: 2 x 100.

http://ecn.uscis.dhs.gov/team/mgmt/Offices/OIDP/IDP/DSB/dsms/default.aspx http://ecn.uscis.dhs.gov/team/mgmt/Offices/OIDP/IDP/DSB/dsms/default.aspx

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7.B.5 - 1

Designated Benefit 5. Expedited Form I-131, Application for Travel Document

Background: Form I-131 applications are used by resident aliens and or refugees or asylees who must travel outside the United States and want to return without having to obtain a returning resident visa. Most applications are filed in sufficient time to meet the departure requirements.

However, under some circumstances, such travel applications must be processed expeditiously, at the applicant’s expense. In support of these expeditious travel requests, the following policies and procedures support the processing of such Form I-131 applicants at ASCs.

Operational Policies: All ASCs shall follow these procedures when processing expedited Form

I-131 applicants.

General: The Nebraska Service Center (NSC) will process I-131s on an expedited basis if the applicant has a valid reason for expediting. To do so, the NSC will manually schedule the ASC appointment for the first available slot at the ASC.

Once the applicant appears at the ASC, s/he could depart the US if s/he does not need the travel document to enter the country to which s/he is going. The NSC can send the travel document to a US address or to a US consulate to be picked up overseas. If the applicant needs the travel document quickly, s/he should include a pre-paid express envelope for the NSC to send the document to her/him.

If the I-131 application is already pending at NSC and the applicant would like an expedite, s/he should call the National Customer Service Center 1-800 number.

At the ASC ISO’s discretion, the ASC may schedule an appointment and capture the biometrics for an I-131 applicant based upon her/his receipt notice. If so, the applicant could then depart the

US after appearing at the ASC as noted above.

Identification: Any proper photo identification

Operational Procedures: Process the applicant according to the code on her/his appointment notice. If the applicant has questions concerning an I-131 expedite, the ASC ISO should provide her/him with the information noted above.

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7.B.6 - 1

Designated Benefit 6. Form I-360 – Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special

Immigrant

Background: While a number of special immigrant categories are supported with this form type, of particular concern to ASCs are those I-360 applicants who are Special Immigrant

Juvenile (SIJ) cases, usually foreign children who have become wards of the state. Through no fault of their own, they are now in the United States and need to be processed for immigrant benefits. Many times, these wards will NOT have official government-issued photographic identification but may have other forms of identification, e.g., school IDs.

Operational Policies: All ASCs shall follow these procedures when processing Form I-360 applicants.

Form I-360 Appointment Notice: Most I-360 applicants will appear with a Form I-797, Appointment Notice just as most other benefit applicants, but SIJ applicants may only appear with a court document issued by a Juvenile Court Judge. (See sample of a SIJ document and family court order at Attachments 7.B.7 – A and B.)

Identification: While many I-360 applicants will have some form of government issued identification, e.g., passport, driver’s license, etc, the Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ’s) who are wards of the court may appear at Application Support Centers (ASCs) without government-issued photo identification. It may be challenging to verify the identity of these applicants, who can have one or more aliases, different birthdates, and different parents’ names. The ASC program relies upon the field to verify identity based on the Immigration Services Officer’s

(ISO’s) experience and judgment. The following information is meant to provide guidance, but not absolute rules, for verifying the identity of SIJs.

A court-issued letter citing the juvenile as a ward would typically be sufficient for identity verification. The letter does not need to include a photograph of the SIJ. In addition to a court-issued letter, SIJs may also have copies of birth certificates or school identification cards. Other information, such as a transit pass which has the student’s name on it or the testimony of the adult accompanying the SIJ, may provide additional evidence in support of the juvenile’s identity.

ASC ISO’s should use their best judgment in determining whether there is sufficient evidence to verify the juvenile’s identity. ASC ISOs are encouraged to seek guidance from chain of command on particularly difficult verifications, such as when a social service organization, rather than the court, provides a letter to the SIJ.

Usually, Form I-360 applicants will be processed as a Code-3, using the procedures detailed in

Chapter 5. The code on the appointment notice should be followed.

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7.B.6 - 2

For those SIJ cases without an I-797 Appointment Notice, once identity is verified, process as a

Code-3. If needed while awaiting identity verification, the ASC can fingerprint the juvenile manually and hold the FD-258 card while conducting follow up inquiry. In such instances, the applicant would not need to return to the ASC if s/he could submit a photograph for card production.

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7.B.7 – A

Sample of SIJ Document

July 27, 2015

DHS – ASC

Attn: ASC IMMIGRATION SERVICE OFFICER

RE: XXX (A# )

Biometrics Appointment

Greetings:

XXX is in the custody of Bucks County and is placed in foster care with Lutheran

Children and Family Services. S/he is seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile status. S/he only has a student id. We are unable to get a passport because the XXX consulate will not issue it to someone under the age of 21 without their parents’ permission. Please accept this identification.

Per our conversation, s/he will come to the ASC on [day], [date]. Attached is the family court order to this fax. Thank you for all of your help.

Sincerely yours, Attachment 7.B.7 – A

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7.B.7 – B

Sample Family Court Order

Attorney’s Name: XXX

Attorney’s Address: XXX

Attorney’s Telephone Number:

Attorney’s Identification Number:

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY

IN RE: XXX

DOB:

ORDER

AND NOW, this and DECREED that:

day of , 2015, it is hereby ORDERED

1. The minor, XXX, was adjudicated dependent as of day of , 2015.

2. Parental reunification is not possible, as her/his mother/father is deceased and her/his mother/father has abandoned and abused him. The minor, XXX, has been deemed eligible for long term foster care due to abuse and abandonment.

3. The Court finds that it is not in the best interests of the minor to be returned to her/his parents’ previous country of nationality or last habitual residence. It is in the minor’s best interest to remain in the United States.

BY THE COURT:

Attachment 7.B.7 – B

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7.B.7 - 1

Designated Benefit 7. Military Naturalization N-400 Applicants

Background: USCIS strongly supports those who serve our nation through its US Military

Naturalization process. Currently within the Department of Defense (DoD), the Army and the

Air Force have programs whereby those alien enlistees who serve in our military have the opportunity to naturalize.

Department of Defense (DoD): Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) is a

DoD program in which the branches of the military are permitted to recruit certain legal non-immigrant aliens with healthcare specialties or certain language and cultural abilities. The enlistees must meet eligibility requirements established by the Departments of Defense and

Homeland Security to participate. After the enlistee enters on active duty as determined by the military, the enlistee will be eligible to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, under

Section 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Army: The US Army is encouraging MAVNI program applicants to prepare and submit their N-

400 packets to their recruiter prior to reporting for Basic Military Training. Within a few days of the applicant reporting to Basic Military Training, the recruiter will submit the completed N-400 packet to the Nebraska Service Center. Specific procedures for processing the Army’s MAVNI applicants are listed below in Operational Policies & Procedures.

Air Force: The US Air Force is also encouraging a fast track for US citizenship for legal resident aliens joining the US Air Force. A recent Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Field Operations Directorate and the Air Force (AF) established a process for naturalizing airmen during Basic Military Training (BMT).

The MOA directs AF enlistees to their local Application Support Center (ASC) to have their fingerprints registered with USCIS 30 days prior to their ship dates to BMT. Applicants are required to have their Delayed Entry Program (DEP) cards or a copy of their contracts showing their ship dates to BMT in order to obtain walk-in service at an ASC. All applicants should be legal permanent residents (LPRs) and have A-numbers (no MAVNIs).

Any AF enlistee who appears at an ASC with her/his DEP card and/or a copy of her/his contract showing her/his ship date to BMT will be processed for fingerprinting using the

Code-1 procedures of Chapter 3. Any individual who is claiming to be an AF enlistee and who is not in possession of one of these documents should be referred to the ASC ISO.

The ASC ISO will contact the recruiter directly in the event that any of the required documents are missing and have the documents faxed to the ASC before any AF enlistee is dismissed. If the recruiter cannot be reached, the ASC ISO may request the AF enlistee to return with the required documentation necessary for processing.

In addition, the Citizenship Branch, HQ Field Operations Directorate, through consultation with the DOD, advised that the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and the United States

Navy (USN) are participants of the program. USMC is authorized to bring in no more than

2015 Edition

7.B.7 - 2 sixty five (65) enlisted MAVNIs annually (FY15 and FY16). USMC is responsible for conducting all the background checks and screening; all recruits require a favorable NIAC and SSBI background checks. For further information on MAVNI eligibility, please refer this

DOD fact sheet.

Operational Policies: MAVNI program applicants may have their fingerprints taken prior to submitting the N-400 packet and may not have an assigned Alien number (A-number). With appropriate identification and documentation, as described herein, ASC staff should process

MAVNI applicants on a walk-in basis. No ASC appointment is necessary for these applicants to receive processing.

Any MAVNI applicant with appropriate identification and documentation can be fingerprinted at any ASC, prior to or after N-400 filing, without an appointment and without an A-number yet assigned.

MAVNI Appointment Notice: Most MAVNI applicants should bring the MAVNI DOD referral notice with them for ASC processing. (See Attachment A – DOD Referral Notice.) While this is an additional verification of the applicant’s eligibility to access the ASC under this guidance, some MAVNI program applicants may not have the DOD referral notice. The adjudicator will ultimately determine applicant eligibility for the MAVNI program.

Identification: ASC staff will verify the MAVNI applicant’s identity. ASC staff should review the MAVNI applicant’s military ID OR enlistment contract (if the applicant does not have a military ID, e.g., have not shipped out to Basic Military Training). See Attachment B – Typical

Enlistment Contract, to establish affiliation with the military.

Operational Procedures: All ASCs shall follow these procedures when processing military

N-400 applicants.

General: While all MAVNI applicants will be provided an Applicant Information Worksheet

(AIW), the processing procedures are determined by whether or not the MAVNI applicant has a valid A-number. The ASC ISO will verify the applicant’s A-number, as provided by the applicant on the AIW, in Central Index System (CIS). If the applicant has an A-number between

100 000 000 and 199 999 999 assigned for an Employment Authorization Document, this signifies that no physical A-file exists. ASC staff should NOT use this A-number but use the

MAVNI applicant’s social security number. Follow the appropriate procedures below.

MAVNI applicant with a valid A-number:

− Process the MAVNI applicants with valid A-number as a Code - 1, using the electronic fingerprint procedures per the ASC SOP for Code - 1 fingerprinting. Use the applicant’s valid A-number. DO NOT enter a Social Security number.

http://connect.uscis.dhs.gov/org/ESD/biometricsdivision/ASC%20ISO%20Toolbox/MAVNI%20Program%20Eligibility.pdf

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7.B.7 - 3

− No copies of supporting documents need to be made.

MAVNI applicant without a valid A-number:

− Process the MAVNI applicants WITHOUT a valid A-number as a Code - 1, using the electronic fingerprint procedures per the ASC SOP for Code - 1 fingerprinting. Use the applicant’s Social Security number. DO NOT enter the invalid A-number.

− No copies of supporting documents need to be made.

If a MAVNI applicant CANNOT be electronically fingerprinted (medical condition) or once electronically fingerprinted there is a strong likelihood that the fingerprints will be rejected, the

MAVNI applicant will be manually fingerprinted using the procedures detailed in the next section. Note: The cards will need to be sent to the Military Naturalization Team at the

Nebraska Service Center.

ASC ISOs should direct questions concerning this guidance to the attention of their ASC

Regional points of contact.

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7.B.7 - 4

N-400 MAVNI Applicant’s Manual Fingerprinting

General Procedure Description: This phase is used in fingerprinting N-400 MAVNI applicants who need to have their fingerprints taken manually.

When to Use This Procedure: If a MAVNI applicant is unable to be processed electronically due to a medical condition or the electronic fingerprint capture reveals a strong likelihood that the fingerprint images will be rejected by the FBI.

Who Performs This Procedure: A biometrics technician, Site Supervisor, or ASC ISO shall complete this phase.

1 Once it’s determined that a MAVNI applicant CANNOT be fingerprinted electronically or the electronic fingerprint images will most probably be rejected by the FBI, the fingerprinting technician should proceed to manually ink print the

MAVNI applicant, using the procedures detailed in ASC SOP Chapter 3 and augmented by the steps below.

2 Request the applicant’s customer service number, DOD referral notice (Attachment 7.B.8 – A), and /or enlistment contract (Attachment 7.B.8 – B). The applicant may also have a military identification card.

3 Verify whether the MAVNI applicant has a valid A-number. Refer to ASC ISO if not able to verify.

4 Print masthead data on two (2) FD-258 cards using Fingerprint Masthead Notification System (FMNS) per standard procedure with these additional instructions:

a. Enter “MAVNI” in the block which is labeled “Leave Blank” and is located next to the word “Applicant” in the upper left-hand corner of the FD-258 card. DO NOT enter text into the other ‘Leave Blank’ block, located in the upper right-hand corner of the FD-258 card. (See sample FD-258 card at

Attachment 7.B.8 – C.)

b. If the MAVNI applicant has a valid A-number, enter the MAVNI applicant’s

A- number in the “”Miscellaneous No. MNU” space; do not enter a Social

Security Number on the card.

c. If the MAVNI applicant does NOT have a valid A-number, verify the

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7.B.7 - 5

MAVNI applicant’s social security number from her/his social security card and/or enlistment contract. Enter the MAVNI applicant’s social security number in the “Social Security No. SOC” space; do not enter the invalid A-number on the card.

5 Manually fingerprint the MAVNI program applicant twice, creating two (2) FD- 258 fingerprint cards.

6 Make a copy of the MAVNI DOD referral notice and the applicant’s AIW.

7 Annotate the copy of AIW with “MAVNI” written in the upper left-hand corner.

8 Create a MAVNI packet for each applicant that will contain a copy of the MAVNI DOD referral notice, both (2) FD-258 cards, and the AIW copy as a coversheet.

Each packet should be in assembled in the following order:

AIW copy on top; followed by

DOD MAVNI Referral Notice copy; and then

Two (2) completed FD-258 cards on the bottom.

Staple each packet in the upper left-hand corner.

9 At the end of the business day, prepare to mail via authorized mail courier all the packets processed that day following the instructions below:

a. Note on the outside of the authorized mail courier envelope, “Do Not Open in

Mailroom”.

b. Mail packet(s) by 2-day authorized mail courier to the Military Naturalization

Team at the Nebraska Service Center at the address below:

NEBRASKA SERVICE CENTER

Attn: Military Naturalization Team

850 S Street

Lincoln, NE 68508

2015 Edition

7.B.7 - Attachments

Section 7.B.7 Attachments

A – DOD Referral Notice

B – Typical DOD Enlistment Contract

C – MAVNI FD-258 Card

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7.B.7 – A

DOD Referral Notice

FINGERPRINT NOTIFICATION MAVNI

NOTICE DATE

CASE TYPE

N-400 Application for Naturalization MAVNI

CIS A#

MAVNI

APPLICATION NUMBER

Department of Defense Referral

PAGE

APPLICANT NAME AND MAILING ADDRESS

To process your application, USCIS must take your fingerprints and have them cleared by the FBI.

PLEASE APPEAR AT THE AUTHORIZED USCIS FINGERPRINT FACILITY LISTED BELOW AT

THE DATE AND TIME SPECIFIED.

AUTHORIZED USCIS FINGERPRINT FACILITY

www.uscis.gov/asc/locator

DATE AND TIME OF APPOINTMENT

WHEN YOU GO TO THE AUTHORIZED USCIS FINGERPRINT FACILITY TO HAVE YOUR

FINGERPRINTS TAKEN, YOU MUST BRING:

1. THIS APPOINTMENT NOTICE and

2. PHOTO IDENTIFICATION—Your Alien Registration card if you have one. If you do not have an

Alien Registration card, bring a passport, visa, driver’s license, State issued photo ID, or other equivalent document and be prepared to explain why you do not have an Alien Registration card.

3. ENLISTMENT CONTRACT or Military ID – If you have not shipped to Basic Training yet and have not received a military ID card, you must bring your enlistment contract to the ASC. If you appear without the required documents, you will not be fingerprinted.

WARNING!

Due to the limited availability of seating at authorized USCIS fingerprint facilities, only persons who are necessary to assist you with transportation or completing the fingerprint worksheet should accompany you.

MAVNI

Attachment 7.B.7 – A http://www.uscis.gov/asc/locator

Attachment 7.B.7 – B 2015 Edition

7.B.7 – B

Typical DOD Enlistment Contract (First Page)

NAME: XXXXX SSN: XXXXXX

STATEMENT FOR ENLISTMENT

UNITED STATES ARMY ENLISTMENT PROGRAM

U.S. ARMY DELAYED ENLISTMENT PROGRAM

For use of this form, see AR 601−210: the proponent agency is ODCSPER (For instructions using this form see USAREC Reg 601−96)

DATA REQUIRED BY THE PRIVACY ACT OF 1974

1. ACKNOWLEDGMENT: In connection with my enlistment in the Regular Army. I hereby acknowledge that:

a. My enlistment in the U. S. Army Reserve obligates me to a total of x years service in the U. S. Armed

Forces, including service in the Reserve Components, unless sooner discharged by proper…