this is good news, but it might raise another question...
... hbt2002, maybe i am jumping the gun here, as you have not posted too many details, but could you answer the question as to why, to the best of his/your knowledge, was your friend's case transferred to a local office?
was it one of the more "traditional" reasons, i.e. recent marriage etc.?
i have been speculating lately that many special registrants might see their cases transferred to local offices, because, after all the security and background checks are done, they might still want to give their field officers another chance to assess an individual applicant to see who they are letting in in their midst on permanent basis, if you get my drift...
... or maybe i am just being paranoid. any thoughts, anyone?