Packets sent to the Chicago lockbox often seem to vanish into a confusing maze with no clear directions. Applicants find themselves wondering which service center—Vermont, California, Texas, or Nebraska—will ultimately handle their H-1B transfer.
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The Chicago lockbox is really just a drop-off point where USCIS gathers paperwork. After that, the petition is sent to a service center based on the work location provided, not the lockbox address itself.
Jobs on the West Coast typically go to California, while those in the Midwest or East Coast usually end up in Vermont or Nebraska. Cases from Texas are often directed to the Texas Service Center, leaving applicants guessing about what happens next.
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This hidden routing can feel like sending a letter without knowing which post office will handle it first. As days go by, anxiety builds—waiting for a receipt notice or any kind of update from USCIS.
Understanding that the worksite determines the routing can help ease that stress and provide applicants with a clearer timeline. Knowing which service center is assigned can assist in planning follow-up actions, whether that’s tracking premium processing or getting additional documents ready.
