Everything You Want to Know About Case Transfer (Part 2)
Where Are the Cases Going?
The case transferring route highly depends on the USCIS service centers’ workload and office jurisdiction for exact cases, which is not that predictable. However, we still can find some patterns according to the transfer flow. All five service centers have some cases that were transferred to the National Benefits Center (MSC), especially for the top 3 transfer rate centers, Texas Service Center (SRC), Potomac Service Center (YSC), and Nebraska Service Center (LIN). In turn, the National Benefits Center (MSC) will also distribute casework to the five centers.
When we look at case type I-485, over half of the transferred cases are going to the National Benefits Center (MSC) from Nebraska Service Center (LIN) or Texas Service Center (SRC). That’s because, in April 2022, USCIS directed a big resource and workforce reallocation. All adjudication of Employment-Based (EB) Form I-485 except for the 4th preference petitions in the Texas Service Center (SRC) and Nebraska Service Center (LIN) was stopped, and corresponding cases were transferred to the National Benefits Center (MSC).
When Will the Transferred Cases Be Processed?
After a case gets transferred, the processing time in the new center is expected to be shorter compared with staying in the previous one. But the actual processing speed is still influenced by multiple factors, such as office workload, current status, and interview requirements. If your case has completed an interview prior to transfer, or if USCIS determines that the interview is unnecessary and can be waived, then the National Benefits Center (MSC) will complete the final jurisdiction and the processing time will be much faster.
In the figure of processing time distribution below, each box covers the 25th quartile to the 75th quartile data points. If your case is transferred to the National Benefits Center (MSC) or Potomac Service Center (YSC), it will probably get a decision within 1 to 3 months. Other service centers’ processing may last longer, the median time is about 3 or 4 months, but the exact time for the majority varies from 1 to 8 months. You can also check more detailed time distribution between steps on the Lawfully premium analysis page.
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