USCIS Case Transfer Information Available Online
18 May 2016The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has created a webpage exclusively for informing the public about workload-related case transfers. The USCIS periodically shifts designated case types between service centers to more evenly distribute workloads. The online resource makes it easier for stakeholders to stay informed about any such file movements.
USCIS Workload Transfer Webpage
The USCIS has five service centers that are responsible for processing designated types of immigration applications and petitions. From time to time, the caseload demands among the service centers need to be adjusted to achieve proper balance. When this occurs, the USCIS may choose to redistribute certain case types from one service center to another. A dedicated webpage has been established to serve as a central location for announcements of USCIS workload transfers and to provide general information explaining the need for these transfers.
Case-Related Communications to New Location
When the USCIS transfers a case, the petitioner or applicant is sent a transfer notice indicating the file’s new location. The case receipt number does not change. From that time, any communications sent to the USCIS regarding the case should be directed to the new service center location.
Filing Address for New Cases Not Impacted by Workload Transfers
Case transfers do not effect the requirements for where to file a new case. Applications and petitions must continue to be filed at the standard addresses as designated, which vary based on the case type and related factors.
Conclusion
Transfers for the purpose of balancing service center workload are generally no cause for alarm, but still lead many to incorrectly assume that this signifies a problem with the transferred cases. This centralized workload transfer website should help to allay many such fears.
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