Published: February 18, 2026
Is your case transferred to another service center or field office of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)? If so, the online status in your USCIS account will reflect as case transferred. You will also receive an official transfer notice by mail from USCIS.
Such notices often left many applicants confused and anxious, especially those who have already faced significant delays. A clear understanding of what a case transfer notice means can help ease concerns and prepare you for the appropriate steps.
What It Means When USCIS Transfers Your Case
Transferring cases to another office helps USCIS manage its backlog and process applications more efficiently. In most cases, it’s not a cause for concern when you receive a case transfer notice. All it means is that a different office is processing your application.
Typically, a transfer of jurisdiction will not change your existing USCIS receipt number. As a result, it allows you to track your status online or by phone without interruption. Because transfers don’t reset or extend processing timelines, cases often proceed faster at the new office, where workloads are lighter.
In other cases, a transfer can be an initial step in scheduling an interview. Thus, it’s essential to keep a close eye on your application to respond promptly to any new requirements or notices from the new office.
Potential Reasons for a Case Transfer Notice
Transfers are completely normal and shouldn’t cause any setbacks for your application. USCIS maintains the authority to transfer your case for a variety of administrative purposes. Below are some reasons USCIS commonly transfers a case to a different service center or field office.
- Your current service center is encountering backlogs, staffing shortages, or extended processing times.
- You file your application to the wrong address.
- You change your location while the USCIS is still processing your application.
- Your application has progressed to the interview stage at your nearest local field office.
What To Do After Receiving a Case Transfer Notice
Since it’s mostly purely for administrative reasons, you don’t have to do anything unless USCIS specifies it in the case transfer notice. However, suppose your application remains pending longer than the typical processing times. You can definitely request a case status review from the USCIS to identify the specific reason for the delay.
Moreover, certain petitions or applications can qualify for Premium Processing Service. If your pending petition is eligible, you can request that your case be moved to the front of the line and have the new office expedite your application to 15 business days, for a fee.
A credible immigration attorney can also assist in moving your case forward. They can provide you with expert guidance to resolve issues before they happen. This proactive approach helps minimize unnecessary delays caused by Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and interviews.
Work Closely With ALG Lawyers for Your Immigration Concerns
A USCIS case transfer is not, in itself, a cause for concern. Although having your case transferred doesn’t negatively affect your processing, working closely with a qualified Los Angeles immigration lawyer is wise to ensure compliance and prevent unnecessary delays. To get started, contact our team at ALG Lawyers to discuss your immigration concerns in detail and proceed appropriately.
FAQs on What Does a Case Transfer Notice Mean for Your Immigration Application
How long does it take for the new office to process a transferred case?
Processing times for a transferred case can vary depending on several factors, including office workload, case type, and whether an interview is required. Generally, the new center can handle the workload more efficiently than the previous location, so expect processing times to be shorter. But complex cases or high-volume fields may still experience wait times of 3 to 6 months.
Can you ask the USCIS to transfer your case due to a change of address?
A change of address doesn’t let you request a case transfer directly. Generally, USCIS moves cases based on workload or jurisdiction. However, updating your address may prompt USCIS to transfer your case to the office with jurisdiction over your new location.
What errors commonly occur during immigration case transfers?
Immigration case transfers are susceptible to some errors that can either be minor or cause delays and hurt your case. Below are some mistakes that commonly occur when having your case moved or transferred to a new office.
- Failure to update your address within the requested timeframe can result in corresponding fines or even deportation.
- Notices from USCIS are still being sent to the old address despite the filing, due to system lag.
- Overlooking a letter or email from USCIS may result in closing your case or losing your legal standing.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)