N-400 Issues
1. When an individual has filed an N-400 application in another jurisdiction, e.g. a resident of Dallas filing at the Texas Service Center who then moves to VSC jurisdiction and properly notifies the Center to transfer the file to VSC, what happens to that application? Does it go to the back of the line? Does it get any priority? How is it handled?
When an N400 applicant moves to a new jurisdiction, the address is updated in CLAIMS 4 (C4) to reflect this change. The C4 database is designed to acknowledge changes in jurisdiction as a result of address changes. Therefore, once the case is update electronically with a change of jurisdiction, it will be active under the new jurisdiction and not the old. Additionally, if a fingerprint appointment or interview needs to be rescheduled as a result of this address change, then CLAIMS 4 should ensure the required activities are rescheduled. If there is some problem, we will ensure the case is rescheduled for a fingerprint appt or interview.
Although the case may change jurisdiction to a new Service Center (local office under a new Center), the file does not physically move. Because C4 is electronically updated to reflect the new jurisdiction, the files are not relocated to the new Center. Rather, the files will remain at the Service Center were the application was originally filed. The case will be accessible for electronic interview scheduling under the appropriate local office based on the new address entered into CLAIMS 4. At that time that office schedules for interview, the file will be sent directly to the interviewing office instead of going from one Center to another and then to the local office.
AILA Committee Comment: VSC advises that when the case is transferred, it is placed “electronically” in line for scheduling in the new District based upon its original filing date. Accordingly, it does not lose its place in line but would be subject to whatever is the normal backlog for the new jurisdiction. e.g. A case is filed on January 2, 1999 in the Vermont Service Center based upon an address in New York City. The individual notifies the Service Center that he/she has moved to Miami. The case will be electronically transferred to the Texas Service Center as indicated above, while the file remains at the Vermont Service Center pending clearances and scheduling. The case will be scheduled in Miami when it is reached chronologically based upon the January 2, 1999 filing date.
