One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that determines whether a sub-resolution assist feature will print. During operation, the system receives a layout which contains a sub-resolution assist feature. Next, the system determines whether the sub-resolution assist feature will print using a process model and the layout. The process model is determined using first process data and second process data. The first process data is obtained using a first layout which is exposed using a first exposure level. The second process data is obtained using a second layout which is exposed using a second exposure level, which is different from the first exposure level. The second exposure level causes the sub-resolution assist features within the second layout to print.