Are you able to choose the USCIS Service Center where your case will be processed?

The short answer is no. The USCIS Service Centers are determined by immigration based on the case type, the immigration category, and where the individual lives. Couples are probably hoping to choose a certain service center because it has a shorter wait time.

Case Type

For example, you will be mailing your fiancé visa application to Dallas, Texas. A lot of couples thinkthat will be the location of their service center but that’s just a mailing lock box where your application goes. They send it to a special USCIS immigration office in California and that is currently the place where immigration will have officers that will be looking at the fiancé visa application.

Immigration Category

Immigration divides applications into two different types: immigrant visas and non-immigrant visas. Immigrant visas are individuals who don’t have to wait in line which are United States citizens petitioning for spouses and minor children under 21 or parents. If you’re petitioning for a sibling or if you are petitioning for a child over 21, you actually have to wait in line.

Place of Residence

For example, in an adjustment of status case, part of that process involves an interview that will happen in the state where you are living. If you happen to be in Florida and if you are living closer to the Orlando office, that is where your case will be processed.