Social Security

A. Purpose
This Emergency Message (EM) provides updated processing instructions regarding the class of admission (COA) designations CW1 and CW2.

B. Background
SAVE revised certain responses related to the CW1 and CW2 COAs. This revision was prompted by findings that some CW status holders were requesting benefits outside of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The CW1 and CW2 statuses apply only within the CNMI.

The CW1 visa classification allows employers in the CNMI to petition to employ individuals who are otherwise ineligible to work under other nonimmigrant worker categories. The CW1 classification facilitates the transition from the former CNMI foreign worker permit system to the U.S. immigration system. CW2 status applies to dependents (Spouses/Children) of CW1 workers and does not confer work authorization.

It was discovered that SAVE was returning an unexpected response, which resulted in the denial of some cases and generated numerous inquiries to USCIS. We are providing guidance to assist field offices in processing and resolving cases.

C. Field Office Processing Instructions

1. Current Cases:

a. CW1

· SSNAP has been updated to allow the response code “026” (Other) “Successfully Verified”, which was previously not an allowed response for both the 2^nd and 3^rd level responses.

· SAVE may prompt the user to institute Additional Verification. Technicians should use the radio button to submit the case for Additional Verification (AV) (See Screen Below.

· SAVE may return a response of “Other” “Successfully Verified “at the AV and 3^rd level with the following DHS comment: “Non-Immigrant CW1 until (date) in CNMI only. Employment authorized in CNMI only until (date).”

· SSNAP also has been updated on Proof of Alien Status Screen (POLAS) with the language “Process in FO #02 Saipan Only” in the dropdown menu.

· All other expected responses should be handled as usual following RM 10214.100

· SSNAP has been updated to allow the response code “026” (Other) “Successfully Verified” - Not employment authorized, which was previously not an allowed response for both the 2^nd and 3^rd level responses.

· SAVE may prompt the user to institute AV. Technicians should use the radio button (above) if applicable to submit the case for AV.

· SSNAP will return a response of “Other” Not Employment Authorized. DHS will display the following comment: Non-immigrant CW2 until (date) in CNMI only.

· SSNAP also has been updated on Proof of Alien Status Screen (POLAS) with the language “Process in FO #02 Saipan Only” in the dropdown menu.

· All other expected responses should be handled as usual following RM 10214.100




2. Pending Cases: Cases which have already received the response may be cleared and processed via One Time Special Processing. See RM 10210.170 C and E.

References:

RM 10214.100 Overview of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program

RM 10210.170 Understanding the Social Security Number Application Process’s (SSNAP’s) One Time Special Processing (OTSP) Option

RM 10210.684 Evidence of Employment Authorized Immigration Status for a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Principal Transitional Worker (CW-1) and Dependent (CW-2)