How do i know which uscis service center is processing my case ioe

Home » Visas » USA » USCIS » List of USCIS Service Centres Names, Codes, Workload Transfer Status

USCIS processes all the applications, petitions, or benefits requests filed with them at their offices called as USCIS Service Centers. Each of the Service centers is identified by a 3 digit code. The Service Center code is part of the 13 digit USCIS Case Receipt Number that is used to Check USCIS Case Status Online. In this article, we will review what are these USCIS service center and the entire list of the same with codes.

What are USCIS Service Centers ? How many ?

USCIS Service centers officially fall under Service Center Operations Directorate(SCOPS). There are five service centers under SCOPS. They primarily process the applications and petitions related to US immigration. They do not provide any in-person services such as walk-in appointments, clarifying questions in-person, or conduct immigration related interviews.  

USCIS service centers process applications or petitions that are filed online, mailed to the service centers directly or filed with a USCIS Lockbox. Below are the list of five service centers

  • Vermont Service Center
  • California Service Center
  • Potomac Service Center
  • Nebraska Service Center
  • Texas Service Center

National Benefits Center is not a USCIS service centre, but you would see that code in USCIS Receipt Number.

There are many USCIS service centres across America. Each of the USCIS service centers processes applications or benefits that satisfy a certain criterion. For instance, some of them process only applications filed from certain states, while some of them process only certain types of applications.  The idea to have multiple service centers across US is to make sure the USCIS workloads are balanced.  Also, the USCIS workload is transferred  between service centers as needed to balance load.

Complete List of USCIS Service Centers, their Codes

Each of these service centers’ short 3 digit code is part of the USCIS case receipt numbers, so that applicants know where their application or benefit is processed. Below is the complete list of the USCIS service center names, their identification code and their abbreviations. Also, we have listed previous codes that were used for the same service ccenter

USCIS Service Centre Code USCIS Service Center
Abbreviation, previous info
Additional Info
VSC Vermont Service Center This is the current code that USCIS uses for Vermont Service Center
ESC Easter Service Center, previous name for Vermont Service Center ESC is the previous service center code for VSC, you may still find USCIS case numbers referring to this code.
EAC Eastern Adjudication Center, previous name for Vermont Service Center EAC is the previous service center code for VSC. You may also find USCIS case numbers still with this code.
CSC California Service Center Current code used for California Service Center
WSC Western Service Center, previous name for California Service Center WSC is the previous service center code for CSC
WAC Western Adjudication Center, previous name for California Service Center WAC is the previous service code for CSC. You may find USCIS case numbers still with this code.
NSC Nebraska Service Center Current service center code used for Nebraska Service Center
LIN Lincoln Service Center, previous name for Nebraska Service Center LIN is the previous service center code for NSC. You may find USCIS case numbers still have this old code.
TSC Texas Service Center Current code used for Texas Service Center
SSC Southern Service Center, previous name for Texas Service Center SSC is the old code used for TSC. You may find still USCIS Case Numbers use this code
SRC Southern Regional Center, previous name for Texas Service Center SRV is the previous service center code for TSC. You may still find case numbers with this code.
PSC Potomac Service Center This is the current service center code for Potomac Service Center
YSC Potomac Service Center, previously used code for Potomac Service center This is the previous service center code for Potomac Service Center, you will still find this code in USCIS case numbers that are processed at PSC.
NBC   National Benefits Center. This is technically not a Service Center, but you will see this code used in Receipt Numbers as they are processed at NBC Current Service Center code for National Benefits Center
MSC National Benefits Center, it is alternative and old code for National Benefits Center MSC is the alternative code for National Benefits Center. Cases that start with MSC are processed at National Benefits Center(NBC)
IOE Integrate Operation Environment. It is used for any electronic filings that are done using USCIS ELIS e-filing (ELIS – Electronic Immigration System). IOE is not really a Service Center as well. IOE is used for cases that were filed electronically. It is part of USCIS effort to modernize USCIS processing system from paper-based. You will see this for case numbers that are usually filed electronically using ELIS e-filing system.
USCIS Service Centers Codes and Meaning

Workload Transfer Between Service Centers

USCIS occasionally transfers cases between their Service Centers to balance the load. They inform the applicant that their benefit request or petition was transferred to a New Service Center. It is informed as by a document sent using physical mail. Also, the applicant can check the transfer of the application or petition online using the USCIS Online Case Status check webpage. USCIS also updates the public on their website regarding this on their workload transfer update page.

The applicant would see a status that says “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction” .Below is the screenshot of the same case Status you would see on the USCIS website if your case was transferred to a new service center.


Other Articles

Which processing center is IOE?

IOE: USCIS Electronic Immigration System. YSC: Potomac Service Center.

What is the processing time for IOE USCIS?

The average USCIS processing time is at least 90 days from receipt of your application. We advise you to apply as early as possible to allow about 90 days of processing time, but please note that your actual processing time could be longer or shorter.

How do I know which USCIS service center?

The first three characters of the receipt number represent the USCIS service center that is processing your case. The three letters at the beginning of your receipt number are codes for the different service centers.

Are IOE cases processed faster?

Those IOE forms mean that your case is being processed digitally, which is usually good news because those cases tend to flow through the system a bit faster. You don't have to wait for them to move your file around.