How to Transfer Your Case to a Different Consulate

Life does not always stay in one place, and neither will a related immigration case. A move to a new city, a change in employment, or a shift in family circumstances can mean your visa interview needs to happen somewhere other than where your case was originally filed. At Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, we have guided countless clients through the consular process since 1974, and we know how intimidating a transfer request can feel when you are unsure where to start.

If you need to transfer your case to a different consulate, here is a quick overview of what the process involves:

• Confirm you have a valid reason for the transfer.
• Locate your case through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
• Submit your transfer request to the National Visa Center (NVC).
• Wait for confirmation that your file has moved to the new location.
• Continue tracking your case status while the new consulate schedules your interview.

When Might You Need to Transfer Your Consular Case?

Several circumstances can prompt a case transfer. This may be the case when:

• You have permanently relocated to a new country or region.
• Your employer has reassigned you to a different location.
• Your family circumstances have changed, requiring you to reside elsewhere.
• The consulate originally assigned to your case has closed or suspended services.

A transfer is typically approved only when the move is permanent, rather than for a temporary stay or vacation. Immigration officers want proof that your new location reflects where you currently live.

How to Confirm Where Your Case Is Currently Located

Before requesting a transfer, you should confirm exactly where your case currently is. Log in to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) using your case number to review your current status. Cases still at the National Visa Center may be easier to transfer than those already scheduled at a specific embassy or consulate, since a scheduled interview may need to be canceled before a new one can be arranged.

Where to Submit a Transfer Request

Once you know your case location, you can submit your transfer request. Submit your request through the NVC’s Public Inquiry Form, found on the U.S. Department of State’s travel website. Be prepared to provide your case number, your full name as it appears on your passport, and a clear, valid explanation for the transfer. Supporting documentation, such as proof of a new address or an updated employment letter, can strengthen your request.

What Should You Do After Requesting the Transfer?

After submitting your request, monitor your account for updates. Processing times vary depending on the consulate and current caseloads, so patience is often required when waiting on a response. In the meantime:

• Continue paying any required fees and submitting documents through CEAC, as needed, to keep your file active.
• Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
• Keep records of all correspondence related to your transfer request.

Get Guidance From an Immigration Attorney

Transferring a case to a new consulate may not be the most complicated part of your immigration case, but it involves careful timing and correct documentation, and errors can lead to delays that affect your travel plans, employment, or family reunification goals. The attorneys at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC have decades of combined experience helping clients through consular processing. If you are unsure what step to take next, contact us today to schedule a consultation and get personalized guidance for your case.