Key Takeaways
• USCIS transfers cases to new offices for workload balance, location changes, or specialized processing since July 10, 2025.
• Applicants keep the same receipt number; transfers are routine and don’t affect application status.
• After transfer, update contact info, monitor case status, and respond promptly to any USCIS requests.
When you check your USCIS case status and see the message “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction,” it’s natural to feel confused or even worried. Many applicants want to know what this update means, why it happens, who is affected, and what steps—if any—they need to take next. This update is a routine part of the immigration process in the United States 🇺🇸, but it can have important effects on your application timeline and communication with USCIS.
Below, you’ll find a clear, detailed explanation of what this status means, why cases are transferred, who is affected, what you should do, and what the implications are for your pending application. This guide will also cover recent developments, expert perspectives, and practical advice for applicants.
Summary of What Changed
As of July 10, 2025, when your USCIS case status says “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction,” it means that your immigration case has been moved from one USCIS office to another. The new office now has full responsibility for processing and making decisions on your case. This transfer does not mean there is a problem with your application. Instead, it is a standard administrative step that helps USCIS manage its workload and process cases more efficiently.
Who Is Affected by Case Transfers
This update can affect anyone who has a pending application or petition with USCIS. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Family-based green card applicants
- Employment-based green card applicants
- Citizenship (naturalization) applicants
- Asylum seekers
- Applicants for adjustment of status
- Petitioners for relatives or workers
If you have any type of pending case with USCIS and see this status, you are directly affected by the transfer. It does not matter what type of form you filed—transfers can happen for many different case types.
Effective Dates
The effective date of the transfer is usually the date shown in your online case status update or the date listed in the official transfer notice you receive from USCIS. The new office takes over your case from that date forward.
Why Does USCIS Transfer Cases?
USCIS transfers cases for several main reasons. Understanding these reasons can help you feel more at ease about the process:
1. Change in Applicant’s Location
If you move to a new address in a different part of the United States 🇺🇸, your case may be transferred to the USCIS office that covers your new location. This helps ensure that your case is handled by the office with the right local knowledge and jurisdiction.
2. Workload Balancing
USCIS offices sometimes get overloaded with too many cases. To keep processing times reasonable, USCIS may move cases from busier offices to those with lighter workloads. This is called workload balancing. It helps USCIS process all cases more quickly and fairly.
3. Specialized Processing Needs
Some cases require special handling or expertise. For example, certain types of employment-based petitions or asylum cases might need to be reviewed by officers with specific training. In these situations, USCIS may transfer your case to an office with the right experience.
How Will You Be Notified?
USCIS will notify you in two main ways:
- Online Case Status Update: When you check your case status online, you’ll see the message “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction.”
- Official Transfer Notice: You will also receive a formal letter from USCIS, either by mail or through your online USCIS account. This notice will tell you which office now has your case and may include new contact information.
It’s important to keep your mailing address and email address up to date with USCIS. If you move, use the USCIS Change of Address tool to update your information right away.
What Should You Do After a Case Transfer?
In most cases, you do not need to take any action after your case is transferred. However, there are a few important steps to keep in mind:
- Read the Transfer Notice Carefully: The notice will tell you which office now has your case. It may also include instructions for sending any future documents or responding to requests for evidence.
- Keep Your Receipt Number: Your case receipt number stays the same, even after the transfer. Use this number to check your case status and communicate with USCIS.
- Direct Future Inquiries to the New Office: If you need to send documents or ask questions, use the contact information for the new office listed in your transfer notice.
- Monitor Your Case Status: Continue to check your case status online for updates or new instructions.
- Respond Promptly to Any Requests: If the new office sends you a Request for Evidence (RFE) or asks for more information, respond as quickly as possible.
Processing Time Implications
One of the biggest questions applicants have is how a transfer will affect their processing time. Here’s what you need to know:
- Processing Times May Change: Different USCIS offices have different workloads. If your case is moved to an office with fewer cases, you might see faster processing. If it’s moved to a busier office, it could take longer.
- No Guaranteed Speed: A transfer does not guarantee that your case will be processed faster or slower. It simply means a different office is now responsible.
- Check Processing Times: You can check the average processing times for your case type and office on the USCIS Processing Times page.
Required Actions for Applicants
For most applicants, no immediate action is required after a case transfer. However, you should:
- Update Your Contact Information: Make sure USCIS has your current address and contact details.
- Keep All Notices: Save your transfer notice and any other letters from USCIS in a safe place.
- Stay Alert for Requests: Watch for any new requests for evidence or interviews from the new office.
- Contact USCIS if Needed: If you have questions or concerns, contact USCIS customer service or use your online account to send a message.
What If You Have a Pending Application?
If your application is still pending, the new office will pick up where the previous office left off. Your place in line does not start over. The new office will review your file and continue processing your case. If you have already submitted all required documents, you do not need to resend them unless specifically asked.
Implications for Different Groups
For Immigrants and Applicants:
– You may notice a change in the estimated time for your case to be processed.
– You might receive future correspondence from a different office.
– If you have an upcoming interview, it may be scheduled at a new location.
For Employers:
– If you filed a petition for a worker, the case may be handled by a different service center.
– Make sure to check the new office’s contact details for any follow-up.
For Attorneys and Representatives:
– Update your records with the new office information.
– Advise your clients about the transfer and what it means for their case.
Recent Developments and Policy Updates
As of 2025, there have been no major policy changes specifically about case transfers. USCIS continues to use transfers as a way to manage its workload and keep processing times as fair as possible. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these transfers are a normal part of USCIS operations and do not signal any problem with your application.
USCIS sometimes announces large-scale workload transfers on its official news page. Applicants can subscribe to email alerts from USCIS to stay informed about any changes that might affect their case.
Expert Perspectives on Case Transfers
Immigration experts agree that case transfers are a routine administrative step. They are not a sign that your application is in trouble. In fact, sometimes a transfer can help your case move faster if the new office has fewer cases to process. However, it’s important to stay alert for any new instructions from the new office and to respond quickly if you are asked for more information.
Common Questions About Case Transfers
Will my receipt number change?
No. Your USCIS receipt number stays the same, even after your case is transferred.
Do I need to resend my documents?
No, unless the new office specifically asks for them. All your documents are transferred along with your case file.
Will my interview location change?
It’s possible. If your case is transferred to a new office, your interview may be scheduled at a different location. The transfer notice or a future letter will tell you where to go.
Can I request a transfer to a different office?
Generally, no. USCIS decides when and where to transfer cases based on their internal needs and policies.
How can I check which office has my case?
Your transfer notice will tell you which office now has your case. You can also check your online case status for updates.
What if I do not receive a transfer notice?
If you see the transfer status online but do not receive a letter within a few weeks, contact USCIS customer service to request a copy.
What If I Move After the Transfer?
If you move to a new address after your case has already been transferred, you must update your address with USCIS right away. Use the USCIS Change of Address tool to make sure you receive all future notices and correspondence.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
For the most accurate and up-to-date information about case transfers, visit the USCIS official website. This site has detailed guides, FAQs, and contact information for all USCIS offices. You can also check your case status, update your address, and find processing times for your specific case type and office.
If you need to file a specific immigration form, always use the official version from the USCIS website. For example, if you need to update your address, use Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card.
Practical Guidance and Next Steps
- Stay Calm: A case transfer is a normal part of the process and does not mean there is a problem with your application.
- Read All Notices: Carefully review any letters or emails from USCIS for instructions.
- Keep Your Information Updated: Make sure USCIS can reach you at your current address.
- Check Your Case Status Regularly: Use your receipt number to track your case online.
- Respond Quickly to Requests: If the new office asks for more information, send it as soon as possible.
- Contact USCIS if Needed: If you have questions or do not receive a transfer notice, reach out to USCIS customer service.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Case Transfers
USCIS is expected to continue using case transfers to manage its workload and improve processing times. As the number of immigration applications changes over time, transfers help USCIS keep cases moving and avoid long delays at busy offices. Applicants should stay informed about their case status and be ready to follow any new instructions from USCIS.
Key Takeaways
- “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction” means your case has been moved to a different USCIS office.
- The transfer is a routine step and does not mean there is a problem with your application.
- You do not need to take any action unless USCIS asks for more information.
- Your receipt number stays the same, and your place in line does not change.
- Processing times may change depending on the new office’s workload.
- Always keep your contact information up to date and respond quickly to any requests from USCIS.
By understanding what a case transfer means and what steps to take, you can stay on top of your immigration process and avoid unnecessary delays. For more information, always rely on official sources like the USCIS website, and keep your records organized. If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to contact USCIS or speak with a qualified immigration attorney.
Learn Today
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency managing immigration applications and petitions.
Case Transfer → The process of moving an immigration case from one USCIS office to another for efficient handling.
Receipt Number → A unique identifier for each immigration case used to check status and communicate with USCIS.
Request for Evidence (RFE) → An official USCIS notice asking the applicant for more documents or information about their case.
Adjustment of Status → The process of applying to become a lawful permanent resident while inside the United States.
This Article in a Nutshell
When USCIS updates your case to “Case Was Transferred,” it means your file moved to a new office. This routine step manages workloads and may affect processing times. Stay alert for USCIS notices, update your address, and respond quickly to requests to avoid delays in your immigration process.
— By VisaVerge.com
