The FAD worker must verify an applicant's citizenship or immigration status before approving the applicant as a foster or adoptive parent.

The FAD worker must document proof of an applicant's citizenship or immigration status by obtaining a copy of:

 •   a U.S. certificate of birth;

 •   a data match from the Bureau of Vital Statistics (BVS);

 •   a naturalization certificate (UCSIS Form N-550 or N-570);

 •   a certificate of citizenship (UCSIS Form N-560 or N-561);

 •   a valid or expired U.S. passport; or

 •   a permanent resident card (UCSIS Form I-551), also known as an alien registration receipt card or green card.

The FAD worker must:

 •   copy any qualifying documents provided by an applicant (copying both the front and back, if applicable); and

 •   keep the copies in the family's case file.

If an applicant cannot provide any of the documents listed above, the FAD worker may allow the person to prove citizenship status through other means. See Appendix 1000-2: Additional Acceptable U.S. Citizenship Verification Documents.

If there are no qualifying documents available to prove U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, the FAD worker determines, with assistance from a DFPS regional attorney, whether the applicant qualifies under another type of alien status, such as persons admitted as refugees or granted asylum.

If the FAD worker cannot determine whether an applicant qualifies under another type of alien status, the applicant must provide some other form of immigration-related documentation to verify his or her citizenship or immigration status.