January 2013 I-130 Filers

[speedwell 224]

May I ask how you found out your case was transferred to your field office? The reason I ask is I called USCIS today to inquire about my I-130 transfer to my field office and the agent told me that stand alone I-130 petitions are not processed at local field offices. This information seems inconsistent with the information I am gathering from VJ. I've heard that many agent on the customer care hotline are not informed about the new procedures. This agent told me my case would remain at NBC and be processed there.

I called the USCIS. I was transferred from the initial representative I talked to (a Tier 1 rep) to a Tier 2 rep. The Tier 1 reps cannot see where your file is; they can only see what you can see when you enter your case number into the online case status checker. The Tier 2 rep is able to see whether your file has been transferred, but not why.

The USCIS website itself talks about the transfer of standalone I-130 files to the local offices to ease workload at the service centers. Standalone means I-130 cases filed without concurrent filing of the I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Either the rep didn't know about the workload transfer, or your I-130 wasn't a standalone case.

I am 110 percent sure that cases were transferred; you can see it in the case statistic trend charts on the USCIS website, showing that field offices nationwide experienced unusually high receipts of cases in October and November (December is not yet reported on). Everyone needs to know that this change is not permanent. A USCIS memo that was made public on their website (it took a lot of digging to find it and I don't have the link, sorry) says that the service centers will start processing their own forms "early in 2013". A few cases really will never leave the service centers for training, workload, or other reasons and nobody can assume their case is or will be transferred until a Tier 2 rep gives an actual transfer date.

[AKSinghSingh79 143]

I called the USCIS. I was transferred from the initial representative I talked to (a Tier 1 rep) to a Tier 2 rep. The Tier 1 reps cannot see where your file is; they can only see what you can see when you enter your case number into the online case status checker. The Tier 2 rep is able to see whether your file has been transferred, but not why.

The USCIS website itself talks about the transfer of standalone I-130 files to the local offices to ease workload at the service centers. Standalone means I-130 cases filed without concurrent filing of the I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Either the rep didn't know about the workload transfer, or your I-130 wasn't a standalone case.

I am 110 percent sure that cases were transferred; you can see it in the case statistic trend charts on the USCIS website, showing that field offices nationwide experienced unusually high receipts of cases in October and November (December is not yet reported on). Everyone needs to know that this change is not permanent. A USCIS memo that was made public on their website (it took a lot of digging to find it and I don't have the link, sorry) says that the service centers will start processing their own forms "early in 2013". A few cases really will never leave the service centers for training, workload, or other reasons and nobody can assume their case is or will be transferred until a Tier 2 rep gives an actual transfer date.

Thank you for the information. My case is a standalone I-130 petition. No concurrent I-485 was filed alongside it.

I called USCIS again this morning and asked to be transferred to a tier 2 rep. She said that my case was still at MSC at this time and was not sure when or if it would ever leave and get transferred to my local office. I spoke to another tier 1 rep as well and she told me that MSC is currently processing petitions from May. Since I'm getting so much mixed information, I'm only taking this information with a grain of salt. I will call again in a month to get another update.

[Chris Cherian 3]

How do i know which Service Center did they forward the case to? I recieved the NOA1 and the only mention was it that its being sent to the NBC with a MO address?

[The Mean Lady 604]

Thank you for the information. My case is a standalone I-130 petition. No concurrent I-485 was filed alongside it.

I called USCIS again this morning and asked to be transferred to a tier 2 rep. She said that my case was still at MSC at this time and was not sure when or if it would ever leave and get transferred to my local office. I spoke to another tier 1 rep as well and she told me that MSC is currently processing petitions from May. Since I'm getting so much mixed information, I'm only taking this information with a grain of salt. I will call again in a month to get another update.

You just filed this month.

I filed in November and my petition was only transferred from the NBC to Chicago field office on 1/3.

I definitely agree you should wait another month before calling again to find out.

How do i know which Service Center did they forward the case to? I recieved the NOA1 and the only mention was it that its being sent to the NBC with a MO address?

If and when your petition is transferred to a field office, it will be local to your home address.

https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.type&OfficeLocator.office_type=LO

[Chris Cherian 3]

I do realize that! I was wondering what the next step is like. I am new and I get mixed news from people. But the procedures have changed from time to time.

I was under the impression, that i wont hear back anything for the next 6 months or so..

[Chris Cherian 3]

Thanks for the info!

[The Mean Lady 604]

I do realize that! I was wondering what the next step is like. I am new and I get mixed news from people. But the procedures have changed from time to time.

I was under the impression, that i wont hear back anything for the next 6 months or so..

That's pretty accurate.

[RandR2013 1]

What number are people calling to talk to a tier 2 representative? Thanks!

[Ryan H 3,812]

What number are people calling to talk to a tier 2 representative? Thanks!

You have to call the customer service line and ask to be transferred, there is no special number to call.

[RandR2013 1]

Thanks. I've been trying 1-800-375-5283 - the number on the USCIS webiste. However, the recording I get is about getting a trip to the Bahamas.... doesn't seem correct. What number are others calling?

[RandR2013 1]

I got through (though I didn't get much information). Thanks.

[lierre 224]

Is that line the same number you call if you wanna ask for an expedite?

Tried my luck with finding out local office... But, we're abroad, we're military... Don't know how to figure out which local office our petition will go to. Or are there always a few left in NBC?

Edited January 31, 2013 by ivyanddan

[Roosha 51]

I haven't seen anyone who filed from abroad be sent to a field office, they've all stayed at NBC to be processed.

[lierre 224]

Received NOA1 by email and text last night right before midnight Said case has been forward to the National Benefits Center. I hope that's a good thing!

It is!!!

Any action is better than none IMHO

I haven't seen anyone who filed from abroad be sent to a field office, they've all stayed at NBC to be processed.

Is that so? Hmmm, I was wondering about that and wow, did you ask for an expedite?

Edited January 31, 2013 by ivyanddan

[Jughead 3]

If your I-130 does get sent to a local field office after going to the National Benefits Center, does USCIS notify you of the change via email, postal mail, etc?