A USCIS Field Office is where you go in person for immigration interviews, fingerprinting, and document review

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) operates field offices across the country as the physical locations where immigration cases are processed. When you file a form with USCIS — whether for a green card, work permit, citizenship, or other immigration benefit — your case is assigned to a specific field office based on where you live. That office handles your interviews, collects your biometrics (fingerprints and photos), reviews your documents, and makes decisions on your case.

You do not choose which field office handles your case. USCIS assigns it based on your address at the time you file. If you move, you can request a transfer to the field office that covers your new location, though the process varies depending on what type of case you have.

Field offices are not the same as process Support Centers (ASCs), which only collect fingerprints and photos. A field office does the full work: interviews, document checks, and case decisions. Some locations have both an ASC and a field office in the same building or nearby.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS assigns your case to a field office based on your home address when you file, and that office handles your interviews and case decision.
  • You can find your assigned field office by entering your ZIP code on the USCIS office locator tool at uscis.gov.
  • Field offices handle interviews and decisions; process Support Centers only collect fingerprints and photos.
  • If you move, you can request a transfer to a different field office, but the request must be made in writing and approved by USCIS.
  • Field office hours, wait times, and services vary by location, so check your office's page before you visit or attend an appointment.

How to find your assigned USCIS field office

The fastest way is to use the USCIS office locator at uscis.gov/field-offices. Enter your ZIP code and the tool will show you the field office that covers your area. The result includes the office address, phone number, hours of operation, and a link to that office's specific page.

If you have already filed a case with USCIS, you can also find your assigned office by looking at your receipt notice (the I-797 form USCIS mailed you after you filed). The notice includes a three-letter code that identifies your field office. You can search that code on the USCIS website to find the office name and location.

If you are not sure whether you have been assigned to a field office yet — for example, if you just mailed in your process and have not received a receipt notice — contact USCIS by phone at 1-800-375-5283 or check your case status online using your receipt number at uscis.gov/case-status.

What happens at your field office appointment

USCIS will mail you a notice telling you when and where to appear. The notice specifies whether you are going for a biometrics appointment (fingerprints and photos), an interview, or both. Bring the notice itself, a valid photo ID, and any documents USCIS asked you to bring.

At a biometrics appointment, a USCIS staff member will take your fingerprints using a digital scanner and photograph you. The appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You do not need to answer questions or discuss your case; the staff member is only collecting your identity information.

At an interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your process, your background, and your may be able to access for the benefit you are seeking. The officer will also review your documents and may ask you to bring additional paperwork. Interviews can last anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour depending on the complexity of your case. Bring all original documents and copies of everything you submitted with your process.

Preparing for your field office visit

Read the appointment notice carefully. It will tell you exactly what to bring, what time to arrive, and which entrance to use. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. USCIS field offices have security screening similar to airports, so plan extra time for that.

Bring your appointment notice, a valid photo ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID), and all documents listed on the notice. If you are attending an interview, bring the original documents you submitted with your process plus copies of everything. Do not bring documents USCIS did not ask for, but do not leave out anything they requested.

If you need an interpreter, tell USCIS in writing before your appointment. Some field offices provide interpreters for certain languages, but not all. It is safer to arrange your own interpreter and bring them with you. The interpreter must be at least 18 years old and fluent in both English and your language.

If you cannot make your appointment, contact your field office as soon as possible. The phone number is on your appointment notice. USCIS may reschedule you, but missing an appointment without contacting the office can result in your case being denied.

Field office wait times and service delays

Wait times vary significantly by location and by the type of case. Some field offices process cases in a few months; others have backlogs of a year or more. You can check current processing times for your field office on the USCIS website by searching your office code or location.

If your case has been pending longer than the posted processing time, you can contact your field office to ask about the status. Have your receipt number ready. You can also check your case status online at uscis.gov/case-status using your receipt number.

Some field offices have experienced staffing shortages or facility issues that slow down processing. If you see a notice on your field office's page about delays or temporary closures, check back regularly for updates. USCIS posts these notices on the individual office pages.

Requesting a transfer to a different field office

If you move to a different state or a different part of your state, you can request that your case be transferred to the field office that covers your new address. The request must be made in writing and sent to your current field office. Include your receipt number, your new address, and an explanation of your move.

There is no form for this request; you write a letter. Send it to the address listed on your receipt notice or on your field office's page on the USCIS website. Keep a copy for your records.

USCIS will review your request and decide whether to transfer your case. The decision depends on the type of case you have and how far along it is in processing. Transfers can take several weeks to process, so submit your request as soon as you move.

Contacting your field office

Each USCIS field office has its own phone number, email address (if available), and hours of operation. Find this information on the office's page at uscis.gov/field-offices. Call during posted hours; wait times can be long, especially early in the morning or on Mondays.

You can also contact USCIS through the general customer service line at 1-800-375-5283. This line can answer general questions and help you find your field office, but for questions specific to your case, calling your assigned office directly is usually faster.

If you need to mail documents to your field office, use the address on your receipt notice or on the office's page. Do not mail documents to USCIS headquarters; they will be delayed. Always include your receipt number and case type on any mail you send.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go to a different field office than the one assigned to my case?

No. You must attend appointments at the field office assigned to your case. If you move, you can request a transfer, but you cannot straightforward go to a closer office. If you have an emergency that prevents you from attending your assigned office, contact that office to explain and ask about options.

What if I miss my appointment at the field office?

Contact your field office when ready using the phone number on your appointment notice. Explain why you missed it and ask to reschedule. If you do not contact them, USCIS may deny your case. Some cases can be reopened if you file a motion within a certain time frame, but it is much better to reschedule before the important date passes.

Do I need a lawyer to attend my field office appointment?

No, you can attend alone. However, you have the right to bring a lawyer or accredited representative if you want one. If you bring a representative, they must have a valid accreditation number from USCIS. Bring proof of their accreditation to your appointment.

How long does a biometrics appointment take?

Biometrics appointments usually take 15 to 30 minutes from the time you check in. Arrive early because there may be a line, and security screening takes time. The actual fingerprinting and photo process is quick; most of the time is spent waiting.

What if my field office is temporarily closed?

Check the office's page on uscis.gov for closure notices and reopening dates. If your appointment falls during a closure, USCIS will reschedule you automatically and mail you a new appointment notice. If you do not receive a new notice within a reasonable time, contact USCIS to confirm your new appointment date.