HUD HCV Guidebook § 7.2.3
CIS Appeals Process (HUD HCV Guidebook)
Operative Text
The PHA must39 notify the family in writing if the secondary verification process does not confirm eligible
immigration status. The notice must indicate whether assistance will be delayed, denied, or terminated and
inform the family of the right to file an appeal with the CIS.
33
24 CFR § 5.508(h)(3)
34
24 CFR § 5.512(b)
35
24 CFR § 5.512(c)
36
24 CFR § 5.512(c)(2) and (d)(1)
37
24 CFR § 5.512(d)(1)
38
24 CFR § 5.512(d)(3)
39
24 CFR § 5.512(d)(3); 24 CFR § 5.514(d)
If the family wants to exercise its right of appeal with the CIS, the family must40 submit a written request for an
appeal to the CIS within 30 days of the date of the PHA notification. The family must also take the following
steps:
• Include with the appeal request a cover letter and any support documentation as well as a copy of the
verification request form (CIS Form G-845S) which was submitted by the PHA for the secondary
verification request;
• Provide the PHA with a copy of the request for appeal with the CIS and proof of mailing (e.g., USPS
Certified Mail ©, a service that provides the sender with a mailing receipt); and
• Provide any additional documentation that the CIS may request.
Within 30 days the CIS must render its decision to the family and forward a copy to the PHA (or provide notice
of the reasons for any delay).Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 7.2.3, when a Public Housing Authority's secondary immigration status verification does not confirm eligible status, the PHA is required to notify the affected family in writing, specifying whether housing assistance will be delayed, denied, or terminated. The notice must also inform the family of its right to appeal directly to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS). The CIS is then required to issue a decision within 30 days of receiving the appeal, or explain any delay in writing.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 7.2.3, a compliant PHA or property owner participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program ensures that written notices sent to families after a failed secondary verification clearly state the impact on assistance and explicitly reference the family's right to appeal to CIS. Operators generally maintain records of all verification requests, including copies of CIS Form G-845S, to facilitate the appeal process if initiated. Keeping thorough documentation of notification dates is a standard practice, since the family's 30-day window to file an appeal runs from the date of the PHA's written notification.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 7.2.3 gives families the right to appeal an unfavorable immigration status determination directly to CIS within 30 days of receiving written notice from the PHA. To preserve this right, a family generally submits a written appeal to CIS that includes a cover letter, supporting documentation, a copy of CIS Form G-845S, and proof of mailing, while also providing the PHA with a copy of the appeal submission. Tenants who believe their rights under this provision have not been honored may consider contacting a tenant-rights organization, a legal aid office, or filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 26, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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