USCIS provides information on new processing location for form I-730 filed for following-to-join refugees

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What happens after approval of I-730?

USCIS Update: New Processing Location for Form I-730 (Following-to-Join Refugees)

USCIS has moved the initial domestic processing of Form I-730 petitions filed for following-to-join refugees (FTJ-R) from the Asylum Vetting Center to the USCIS International Operations Division. The change applies to cases effective May 6, 2024, and was announced publicly on May 29, 2024.

What changed—and what didn’t

  • Processing location: FTJ-R petitions are now handled by International Operations to centralize expertise and improve coordination with overseas posts. (This is an internal shift; the unit is not open to the public.)
  • Where to file: The filing location remains the Texas Service Center (check the I-730 webpage for the latest “Where to File” instructions). Do not send filings to International Operations.
  • Pending cases: Petitions already filed for FTJ-R will be transferred automatically; you should receive transfer notices if applicable.

Purpose of the shift

USCIS indicates the move will streamline workloads, reduce hand-offs, and better align stateside adjudication with consular/interview processing abroad for refugee derivatives.

What petitioners should do now

  1. Verify addresses and edition. Before mailing, confirm the current “Where to File” and use the latest I-730 edition on USCIS.gov.
  2. Track your case. Add Form G-1145 for e-notification; monitor your USCIS account and mail for any transfer or RFIE/RFE.
  3. Coordinate overseas steps. After approval, many FTJ-R cases proceed with post/consular processing; follow the Department of State’s FTJ guidance and NVC instructions for interviews, security checks, and travel clearances.
  4. Send complete packets. Include principal refugee proof, qualifying relationship evidence, civil documents, translations, and identity pages to avoid delays. (USCIS has a May 29, 2024 Q&A with practical clarifications.)

If you need help
We audit filings for derivative eligibility, confirm proper venue, and liaison with posts once USCIS transfers the case overseas—keeping your family-reunification timeline moving under the new processing structure.

USCIS new processing location form

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