USCIS Field Office Transfer Request in Arcadia: Moving Your Immigration Case
How to request transfer of your pending case when you relocate within the United States
Quick Answer
For immigrants in Arcadia with pending USCIS cases who need to relocate, transferring your case to a different field office requires specific steps. SoCal Immigration Services helps families navigate the transfer process with Arabic-speaking support.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For immigrants in Arcadia with pending USCIS cases who need to relocate, transferring your case to a different field office requires specific steps. SoCal Immigration Services helps families navigate the transfer process with Arabic-speaking support.
When Do You Need a USCIS Transfer?
• You move to a new address in a different USCIS jurisdiction
• Your interview is scheduled at an inconvenient field office
• You have legitimate reasons requiring a different office
• Your work or family situation requires relocation
Not all cases can be transferred, and USCIS has discretion to approve or deny transfer requests.
Types of USCIS Cases and Transfer Rules
| Case Type | Transfer Process | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Pending I-485 (Green Card) | Possible with address change | Moderate |
| N-400 (Citizenship) | Usually transfers with address | Easier |
| I-130 (Family Petition) | Typically stays at service center | N/A |
| I-751 (Remove Conditions) | Possible if new address | Moderate |
| Pending Interviews | Requires formal request | More difficult |
How to Request a Transfer
- •Update your address with USCIS immediately using Form AR-11
- •Create or access your USCIS online account
- •Submit a case transfer request through your account or by mail
- •Explain why the transfer is necessary
- •Provide documentation supporting your new address
- •Follow up if you don't receive confirmation
Updating Your Address (Form AR-11)
Form AR-11: All non-citizens must report address changes within 10 days of moving. This is a legal requirement.
Methods to Update:
• Online at USCIS website (fastest)
• By mail using Form AR-11
• While submitting transfer request
Failure to update your address can result in missed notices, denied applications, and potential immigration consequences.
Transfer Request Letter
- •Your full legal name and A-number (if applicable)
- •Receipt number(s) of pending case(s)
- •Current field office and new desired field office
- •Reason for the transfer request
- •New address and when you moved
- •Supporting documentation
- •Your signature and date
Valid Reasons for Transfer
- •Permanent relocation to new address
- •Employment requiring move to different area
- •Family circumstances (caring for ill relatives, etc.)
- •Safety concerns at current location
- •Significant distance from assigned field office
- •Military duty station changes
When Transfers Are Denied
• The case is too close to decision or interview
• No valid reason is provided
• The move appears temporary
• The new office is significantly backlogged
• Transfer would significantly delay processing
If denied, you may still need to attend appointments at the original office.
Arcadia USCIS Jurisdiction
• Los Angeles Field Office: 300 N. Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles
• Some cases handled by Los Angeles County sub-offices
If you're moving to or from Arcadia, your case may transfer between Los Angeles area offices or to/from distant field offices like San Diego, San Bernardino, or out-of-state locations.
Interview Rescheduling vs. Transfer
| Situation | Option | Process |
|---|---|---|
| Can attend but inconvenient | Attend as scheduled | Best option if possible |
| Cannot attend, one-time issue | Request reschedule | USCIS InfoPass or call |
| Permanently relocated | Request transfer | New office schedules interview |
| Emergency prevents attendance | Submit evidence | Request reschedule with proof |
Processing Time Impact
• Transfers typically add weeks to months of processing time
• Your place in line may reset at the new office
• Cases transferred close to interview may be delayed significantly
• Some offices are much slower than others
Consider whether transfer is truly necessary before requesting.
After Transfer Approval
- •You'll receive confirmation letter from USCIS
- •Your case file is physically transferred to new office
- •New office will schedule any required interviews
- •Continue monitoring case status online
- •Update any pending I-131 (travel) or I-765 (work) applications
- •Keep copies of all transfer-related correspondence
Arcadia Immigration Transfer Assistance
- •Determining if transfer is necessary and advisable
- •Preparing transfer request letters
- •Filing Form AR-11 address changes
- •Following up on transfer status
- •Handling interview scheduling issues
- •Arabic-speaking guidance throughout
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How long does a USCIS transfer take?
A: Transfers can take several weeks to a few months. The actual transfer of your physical file adds time, and the new office then needs to schedule you into their workload.
Q:Will a transfer delay my case?
A: Usually yes. Transfers add processing time, and your position in the queue may reset. Only request a transfer if truly necessary.
Q:Can I request transfer to a less busy office?
A: USCIS assigns cases based on your residence, not preference. You cannot choose an office just because it's faster - you must actually live in that jurisdiction.
Q:What if my interview is already scheduled?
A: If you've already received an interview notice, transferring becomes more difficult. Contact USCIS immediately to discuss options - often attending the scheduled interview is best.
Q:Do I need to file anything besides address change?
A: For most cases, updating your address through AR-11 triggers automatic transfer. For interviews or complex situations, a formal transfer request letter may help.
Q:What if I'm moving temporarily?
A: Temporary moves don't require case transfer. Keep your permanent address on file and make arrangements to receive mail and attend appointments.
Moving and Need to Transfer Your Immigration Case?
Our Arabic-speaking team helps Arcadia families navigate USCIS transfers. We ensure your address is updated properly and your case moves smoothly.
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