SBA is aware that lenders that have loans in process that include non-U.S. Citizen/U.S. National ownership must obtain U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) verification for those owners as quickly as possible. To help achieve that end, the agency has dedicated additional personnel to the verification function and has reached out to NAGGL with important information for us to share with lenders.
Most importantly, SBA has advised that it is processing USCIS verification requests on a strict “first-in, first-out” basis, and is unable to take requests out of order. It has noted, however, that when a request contains an error or the documentation submitted cannot be read by the USCIS scanner, the verification cannot be completed, and the request loses its place in line.
So, to help assure success with the verification process, SBA wants to remind lenders that they must fully comply with the detailed instructions contained in SOP 50 10 8 (pp. 30-31). The agency also has provided the following tips intended to reduce the number of screen-outs, which is higher now than usual, and to keep the process running smoothly:
- Be sure you utilize the most recent Form G845.
- Sign the Form G845, as the lender.
- Be sure all required documents have been uploaded into ETRAN.
- Ensure that documents in ETRAN were uploaded into the correct document type category.
- Do not upload irrelevant documents (i.e. marriage license, driver’s license, marriage certificate, etc.).
- Ensure that the Individual is listed as a principal and/or guarantor in ETRAN.
- Ensure that the information in ETRAN matches documents (i.e. date of birth, social security number, etc.).
- Please refrain from contacting SBA to request status updates – such requests go to the same mailbox as verification requests and just slow down the process.
Finally, while there could be a funding lapse for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), at this point, it is NAGGL’s understanding that any shutdown should not impact the USCIS verification process.
