Immigration Site

I submitted all my papers (I-130, I-485, I-864... etc) to my local office having jurisdiction over my place of residence. I notice, however, that most people in here submitted their applications to service centers. Whats the difference?

I have the same question.

Also, do I have a choice, if I dont live nearby one of service centers.

Grumpybear, YOU DID IT ALL RIGHT, Dont have to worry!!!!
Concurrent filling of I-130&I-485 family- based is always done in local offices with jurisdiction over the place of residency. And being transfered for processing to NBC (131, 765, 130). Further 485 & 130 adjudicated together at local office.
I was also very confused in the begining, whether to file in the local office in Pittsburgh, where I live or to the Vermont SC which has jurisdiction over the place where I reside. Finally mailed the whole package to Pittsburgh local office and happened to be right. Thats what almost all "concurrent filling 130/485" guys here do. File in local offices and being transfered to NBC (get AP & EAD from NBC), further scheduled for interviews at their local offices.
XALIDAG go ahead, do your paperwork and send everything to your local office.You were also asking about NYC.Just check to which local offices Service area your County belongs and there you go... Send it all there

Why dont you schedule infopass for basic consultation with an Imm Officer. Basicly theres no need, but if you are really that confused.
A friend of mine was totally confused with all the documents and just walked into the local center. The Immigration officer explained to him everything in details and even filled in all his documents. When he got home, he just rewrote and sent them out. Its amazing how helpful she was. Hope all Immigrations officers are like this one

Here is what USCIS link says regarding filing of I-130 from http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-130.htm :

"A petitioner residing in the United States should file Form I-130 at the Service Center with jurisdiction over the petitioners place of residence."

Here is what USCIS link Says regarding filing of I-485 from http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-485.htm

"Where to File:
The Service Center that has jurisdiction over your intended place of employment."

The word to look for is "Service Center". On the USCIS pages with the word "Service Center", which has a link that points to different states with their corresponding service centers. Find your state and determine appropriate place to file.

If you ask me for my state of Arizona, I would file it with California Service Center.