The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field offices and service centers serve different purposes in the immigration process. Here are the differences between them:
USCIS Field Offices: USCIS field offices are local offices located throughout the United States. These offices primarily handle in-person services related to immigration applications and petitions. Some of the key functions of USCIS field offices include:
a. Interviews and Application Processing: Field offices conduct interviews for various immigration benefits, such as adjustment of status (green card) interviews, naturalization interviews, and interviews for other immigration benefits. They also process and adjudicate applications and petitions submitted by individuals.
b. Biometrics Collection: Field offices are responsible for collecting biometrics (fingerprints, photographs, and signatures) from individuals as part of the application and background check process.
c. Information and Customer Service: Field offices provide general immigration information, assistance with case inquiries, and customer support to individuals seeking immigration benefits.
USCIS Service Centers: USCIS service centers are centralized processing centers that handle the initial receipt, processing, and adjudication of certain immigration applications and petitions. There are four USCIS service centers in the United States, located in California, Vermont, Nebraska, and Texas. The primary functions of USCIS service centers include:
a. Application and Petition Processing: Service centers handle the initial intake and processing of various immigration applications and petitions, including family-based petitions, employment-based petitions, and certain humanitarian applications. They conduct the initial review, data entry, and fee collection.
b. Request for Evidence (RFE) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID): Service centers issue Requests for Evidence or Notices of Intent to Deny if additional information or documentation is required to adjudicate an application or petition. These requests are typically sent to applicants/petitioners or their legal representatives.
c. Adjudication and Decision-Making: Service centers make decisions on certain immigration applications and petitions based on the information provided, supporting documentation, and applicable immigration laws and regulations.
In summary, USCIS field offices primarily handle in-person services, interviews, and application processing, while USCIS service centers focus on the initial intake, processing, and adjudication of certain immigration applications and petitions. Both play vital roles in the overall immigration process in the United States.