|
Note: certain filing instructions and information is common to all USCIS Service Centers. Read more about them on our National Service Center page:
- Documents Not in English
- Preparing Your Application for Filing
- Paying Fees
- Your Receipt
- Motions to Reopen (MTR)
- Denials
- How we Process Your Application at a Service Center
- General Tips on Assembling Applications for Mailing
See also:
|
| General Information |
| The Vermont Service Center (VSC), formerly known as the Eastern
Service Center, is one of four adjudication processing centers in the United States. The
VSC adjudicates a variety of applications and petitions for immigration benefits
enumerated in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Applications/petitions are mailed
directly to the VSC by the customers. Recent years have ushered in continued and vigorous
growth at the VSC. Due to newly hired USCIS staff and the addition of contract employees for
the mailroom, data entry, file room and automated data processing, overall Center staffing now
exceeds 1,300.
The VSC is primarily located in two main facilities. The majority of the VSC workforce is located in the St. Albans facility. All mail processing and case receipting is currently performed in St. Albans. All mail destined for VSC should be sent to the St. Albans address provided on this website.
In July of 2003, due to space limitations in St. Albans, VSC expanded its operations to an Essex facility, located about 30 miles south of St. Albans.
|
| Organizational
Structure |
The VSC is organized into six divisions. The divisions include: Adjudications, Management, Quality Unit, Operations, IT Systems and Records and Information. Adjudications is headed by an Associate Center Director and the Quality Unit is managed by a Supervisory Adjudications Officer. Each of the other divisions is headed by an Assistant Center Director (ACD).
The VSC Adjudications Division reorganized on December 11, 2001. The former three Product Lines (Family, Business and Trade and Resident Services) have been combined and all adjudications functions, information services and the Congressional Liaison Unit are now in one section, the Adjudications Division under the direction of an Associate Director. The Associate reports to the Deputy Center Director.
Within the Adjudications Division, there are five Functional Managers (FM’s):
- The FM for Workload Management directs all workflow, resource allocation, and case prioritization issues.
- The FM for Knowledge Management/Customer Relations performs the following functions: assures all information needed for the correct and timely adjudication of applications and petitions is current and available to officers involved in adjudications decision making; directs activities related to the dissemination of information to the public via phones, correspondence and the Center’s public information window; and coordinates liaison with various customer groups.
- The FM for Employee Development coordinates activities related to the training and professional development of VSC adjudications personnel.
- The FM for Administration directs activities related to personnel administration, hiring, scheduling and space/equipment management.
- The FM for Special Projects manages the various projects and newly established units/teams that arise within the Adjudications Division, and also manages the day-to-day adjudications activities of the Essex facility.
The Quality Unit Supervisor and ACD’s each report directly to the Deputy Center Director.
The Deputy Center Director reports to the Center Director. The Center Director reports to USCIS Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
|
Key VSC executive staff are as follows:
|
| Director: |
Paul Novak |
| Deputy Director: |
Sandra Bushey |
| Special Assistant to the Director: |
Vincent Pizzigno |
| ACD for Adjudications: |
Todd Reader |
| ACD Management: |
Jack Pelkey |
| ACD Information Technology: |
Paul Brace |
| ACD Records & Information: |
Stephen Smith |
| Service Area: |
The VSC accepts and processes certain applications and petitions
from people residing in the following states:
Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland*, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia*, U.S. Virgin Islands, West Virginia*,
and the District of Columbia*.
Exceptions to these Service Area filing locations are outlined below:
- VSC accepts NACARA applications (Form I-881) for applicants from the states listed above, as well as from those residing in the following states:
Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.
- The VSC has sole jurisdiction for the following forms and thus, accepts filings from across the United States:
Form I-360, Self-Petitions filed by Battered Spouse or Child
Form I-129 for H-1C classification, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker
- The VSC accepts all employment and family based Forms I-485, Application for Permanent Residence, for individuals from Maryland.
- Applications for asylum (Form I-589) may require filing at a different Service Center than indicated above; please check the instructions for Form I-589 to determine where you should file your application.
Please Note:
If you live outside the service area of this Center, please file your application or
petition with the Center serving your area. If you are unsure of which Service Center
serves people living in your state, consult the List of
USCIS Field Offices for your
state. If you know which Service Center you wish to visit, you may use the following
links:
California Service Center
Nebraska Service Center
Texas Service Center
|
| Where Are We? |
| The Vermont Service Center is located in Saint Albans and Essex,
Vermont. Our Direct Mail Mailing Address is: |
| |
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden St.
Saint Albans, Vermont 05479Petitions and applications other than N-400 applications and Premium Processing cases
should be mailed to the VSC using this address.
Please note that, effective September 1, 2004, VSC will no longer have a public information window available for walk-in questions.
Premium Processing: If you have an inquiry regarding a Premium Processing case, you may contact VSC at (802)527-3192 or at
VSC-Premium.processing@dhs.gov . Please not that only Premium Processing cases will be entertained at this phone number and e-Mail address.
NOTE: Separate PO Box numbers and Zip codes are no longer required for the different form types, with the exception of N-400 applications and special problem cases.
|
| Special Mailing Address for Forms N-400: |
|
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden St.
Saint Albans, Vermont 05479-9400
|
| NOTE: All non-Premium Processing work sent to this address will be rejected. |
Applications We Accept and/or Process:
Please note that you can also file Forms I-90 and I-765 electronically.
Please see E-Filing Tips for more information.
|
| |
Direct
Mail Cases We Accept:
NOTE EXCEPTIONS:
All Forms I-131, Applications for Travel Document (Re-entry Permit or Refugee Travel Document only), are filed with the Nebraska Service Center.
All Forms I-360, Self-Petitions filed by Battered Spouse or Child petitions are filed at VSC.
All Forms I-360 for G-4 International Organization Officers, Employees,
and their family members are filed at the Nebraska Service Center effective 2/23/04
All Forms I-485 for those individuals filed concurrently with an I-360 are also filed
Only at the Nebraska Service Center effective 2/23/04
All Forms I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative petitions are filed with the Nebraska Service Center.
All Forms I-485, Refugee/Asylee/Haitian applications are filed with the Nebraska Service Center.
All Forms I-129 for E nonimmigrants within VSC’s jurisdiction are filled at the Texas Service Center.
All Forms I-129 for TN nonimmigrants are filed at the Nebraska Service Center.
All Forms I-129 for H-1C nonimmigrants as filed at VSC.
All Forms I-526, Petition by Alien Entrepreneur, within VSC’s jurisdiction are filed at
the Texas Service Center.
Cases Filed at Local Office but Processed
at the VSC: The following applications must be submitted to a Local Office but may
be forwarded by that office to the VSC for processing. Since all applications and
petitions adjudicated at the VSC are entered into the electronic receipting systems for
tracking, any application or petition received at the VSC which has been accepted
elsewhere by a USCIS office will be assigned an "EAC" number. Petitioners and
applicants will then receive a receipt notice from the Center that will indicate their EAC
receipt number.
|
|
I-90 |
Application to Replace Alien Registration Card
|
|
I-212 |
Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission Into the United
States After Deportation or Removal
|
|
I-612 |
Application for Waiver of the Foreign Resident Requirement of
Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended |
Mailing Your
Application/Petition to Us:
|
| All application packages other than N-400
applications should be sent to: |
| |
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden St.
Saint Albans, Vermont 05479
|
| Forms N-400, Application for Naturalization,
should be sent to: |
|
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden St.
Saint Albans, Vermont 05479-9400
|
Documents Not in English
All documents that are in a language other than English must be submitted with a translation. The person translating the document must certify that the translation is complete and accurate and that he/she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
| Contacting Us |
| “Age Outs:” |
|
“Age out” cases involve the children of principal aliens or U.S. citizens. Sometimes, if these children turn 18 or 21 (depending on the type of benefit sought) before their case is processed, they will lose the benefit they are seeking. If your case falls within this category, please indicate on your application that it is an “Age Out” case.
Please note: The above statement may no longer apply to your individual case. On August 6, 2002, President Bush signed into law the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). This law changes the “Age Out” rules in effect prior to signing of the CSPA which were previously defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Under the new law, a child will be prevented from “aging out” due to service processing delays.
Please read guidance here to see if the “Age Out” policy affects you or your children.
Premium Processing: If you have an inquiry regarding a Premium Processing case, you may contact VSC at (802) 527-3192 or at
VSC-Premium.processing@dhs.gov. Please note that only Premium Processing cases will be entertained at this phone number and e-Mail address.
|
| Cable/Fax Requests: |
|
Cables/faxes notifying the Consulate of approval will only be sent if the benefit is available within 30 days
and the petitioner requests that the cable be sent.
- There is no charge for a cable request made at the time of filing the petition.
- There is no charge for a cable when requested before adjudication of the
application/petition.
- A cable will be sent for consulate notification subsequent to the approval of the
application/petition by submitting a properly filed I-824 with fee.
|
| Case Status: |
|
See "Finding
the Status of Your Case"
|
| Change of Address: |
|
Customers with pending petitions/applications may report their change of address to the NCSC toll-free at 1 (800) 375-5283 instead of submitting the change in writing.
All aliens reporting a change of address should also file Form AR-11
|
| Customer Feedback: |
|
We strive to provide quality service to our customers. If we have
not lived up to this commitment, we would like to know. If we have met or exceeded your
expectations, please let us know that as well. To comment on the services provided at this
office, please write to the Center Director, at:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
P.O. Box 1000
Saint Albans, Vermont 05479.
Note in the heading of the letter and on the envelope: "FOR THE PERSONAL ATTENTION
OF THE DIRECTOR."
If you feel you were mistreated by a USCIS employee, or wish to make a complaint of
misconduct by a USCIS employee, you may write to the Center Director, or write directly
to the:
Director, Office of Internal Audit
425 Eye Street, NW
Room 3260
Washington, DC 20536
Please be specific and reference specific case numbers and dates to provide the best
way for us to understand and assess your complaint.
|
| Designated Civil Surgeons: |
|
For general information on the required medical examination, please see "Designated Civil Surgeons". Most applicants for adjustment of status are required to have a medical examination. A civil surgeon who has been designated by the
USCIS must conduct the medical examination. Click here to find a listing of Designated Civil Surgeons in your area. You may also call the
USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1 (800) 375-5283. You will be asked to provide your zip code. Have a pen or pencil ready to write down the list of civil surgeons in your area.
Doctors interested in being registered as a Designated Civil Surgeon in should submit the following to the local District Office:
- A letter to the District Director requesting consideration
- A copy of a current medical license
- A current resume that shows 4 years of professional experience, not including a residency program
- Proof of citizenship
- Two signature cards showing name typed and signature below
|
| Employment Opportunities: |
|
To obtain information about employment opportunities with
USCIS, please search the USA Jobs Website for current vacancy announcements. This is an immigration programs-specific search page on
the Office of Personnel Management Website from which users can view agency job announcements.
|
| Employer-related Immigration Matters
(USCIS
Office of Business Liaison): |
|
Call 1 (800) 357-2099
TDD 1 (800) 278-5732
|
| General Expedite Procedures By Fax
The VSC has always been strict with respect to approving requests for special processing. Individuals who are seeking expeditious handling can FAX the Center at (802) 527-4816 to request an expedite.
The fax line is available 24 hours a day. Expedite requests are reviewed Monday
through Friday from 8:00AM to 4:00 PM.
|
| General Expedite Procedures By Mail
The VSC will also accept EXPEDITE requests through WRITTEN Correspondence.
A letter requesting the expedite of a case along with any supporting information should
be mailed to the VSC. The envelope MUST be marked with "EXPEDITE REQUEST".
Please mail expedite request to:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
ATTN: Expedite Request
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479
|
| REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
A detailed explanation of the situation should be provided in a support letter, and any
documentation needed to support the expedite request should also be submitted.
Applicants should not submit more than 5 pages of material.
Cases that are not clearly approvable will not be expedited. Requests to expedite
petitions or applications that are incomplete will not be granted. All supporting
documents not in English must include a certified translation.
See “Documents Not in English" section. There is no appeal of the denial of an expedite request. Please see our USCIS Expedited Criteria guidance.
|
Finding
the Status of Your Case
|
| Forms: |
|
Forms are not available at the Vermont Service Center. Forms are
available through the local USCIS offices, through the Government Printing Office (GPO), at
GPO bookstores, or call 1 (800) 870-3676 to have forms mailed to you. You
may also click here to download forms or make an
on-line request that they be mailed to you.
|
| Freedom
of Information Act (FOIA): |
|
To submit a request for information pursuant to the Freedom of
Information Act or Privacy Act, mail to:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center ATTN: FOIA/PA UNIT
75 Lower Welden St.
Saint Albans, Vermont 05479
|
| Information: |
|
Call the National Customer Service Center at 1 (800) 375-5283.
|
LIFE Act
|
| National Customer Service Center: |
|
Call the NCSC toll-free at 1 (800) 375-5283 for information and help on matters concerning immigration services and benefits.
|
| Naturalization Information: |
|
In addition to the information provided on this VSC home page,
please visit the Naturalization homepage. Included on the
site is information on who can be naturalized, what is required, how and where to apply,
frequently asked questions, and A Guide to Naturalization, which provides an
overview of the naturalization process. From that Website, you can access and download
Naturalization Forms including Form N-400, Application
for Naturalization.
|
| Processing Times: |
|
Processing time varies by case type. Current VSC Processing times are posted to the USCIS website bimonthly. Also see Processing Dates
|
| Status of Applications Inquiries: |
|
See "Finding
the Status of Your Case".
|
Other
Immigration Offices Serving This Area
|
| Application
Support Centers (ASCs) (where fingerprinting can be obtained): |
|
For information, including directions, call toll free
(800) 375-5283.
|
|
