When you move to a new home, it’s important to update your address with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Not only does this help ensure you continue receiving important notifications about your immigration status, but it’s also a legal requirement. Failing to notify USCIS of your address change could result in fines, jail time, or even deportation. Fortunately, it’s simple to notify USCIS about your move. Here’s how to do it properly.
Why Do You Need to Notify USCIS About Your Address Change?
It’s a legal requirement for most foreign nationals and U.S. citizens sponsoring immigrants to inform USCIS when they change addresses. Failing to do so can lead to delays in your applications, penalties, or even deportation. Although USCIS may not always have the resources to enforce this rule strictly, it’s best to update your address as soon as possible.
Who Needs to Notify USCIS About Their Address?
Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders):
If you hold a green card, you must notify USCIS within 10 days of moving. This rule applies whether you have a conditional 2-year green card or a 10-year green card.
Temporary Visa Holders:
If you have a temporary visa (e.g., H-1B), you must update your address with USCIS within 10 days of moving.
U.S. Citizens Who Are Sponsors:
If you are a U.S. citizen sponsoring an immigrant, you should update your address with USCIS within 30 days of moving. While it’s not a legal requirement to do so, it helps avoid delays or issues with the sponsored immigrant’s case.
Exemptions:
Some individuals, such as foreign diplomats (A visas), representatives to international organizations (G visas), and tourists or visitors on short-term visas, do not need to update USCIS about address changes.
How to Update Your Address with USCIS
There are different ways to notify USCIS of your new address, depending on your status.
For Non-Citizens:
Online (Recommended): The easiest way to update your address is by using the Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) online tool. You can access this through your USCIS online account.
By Mail: If you prefer, you can fill out and mail Form AR-11 (Alien’s Change of Address Card). Be sure to use black ink and sign the form before mailing it to the address provided in the instructions.
Important Notes:
- If you update your address online, you do not need to mail in Form AR-11.
- If you mail Form AR-11, it only applies to that specific form. For other applications, follow the mailing instructions provided for those forms.
- Some individuals, such as victims of domestic violence or certain other crimes, must mail Form AR-11 directly to USCIS’s Humanitarian Division.
- Multiple Applications:
If you have other applications pending (e.g., Form I-130 or I-485), you must update your address for each one. You can do this all at once through the online tool. - Family Members:
If you have dependents or family members, you will need to submit a separate address update for each person.
Tip: Always keep a copy of the confirmation for your records, especially if you mail your form. Using registered mail is a good way to have proof of submission.
For U.S. Citizens:
- Online (Recommended):
U.S. citizens can also update their address using the E-COA online tool through their USCIS online account. - By Phone:
You can notify USCIS by calling 1-800-375-5283. However, non-citizens still need to submit Form AR-11, even if they notify USCIS by phone. - By Mail:
U.S. citizens can also update their address by submitting Form I-865 (Sponsor’s Notice of Change of Address), even if they live at the same address.
What Information Do You Need to Provide?
To update your address, have the following information ready:
- Your old address
- Your new address
- If you are a green card holder, have your green card receipt number on hand (this can be found in the notice USCIS sent after they received your original application).
- If you are a sponsor, provide the name and biographical information of the immigrant you’re sponsoring.
Common Questions About Changing Your Address
What if I missed the deadline to update my address?
If you don’t update your address on time, you could face fines or deportation. However, this is rare. It’s important to update your address as soon as possible and make sure to notify USCIS whenever you move in the future.
What if I move after my naturalization interview?
Even if you have an interview scheduled, you must still update USCIS within 10 days. This ensures that any further correspondence will be sent to your new address.
What if I move out of the country?
If you’re moving outside the U.S., you still need to notify USCIS within 10 days. If your case is now being handled by the National Visa Center (NVC), contact them directly to update your address.
What if I don’t have a permanent address?
If you’re moving temporarily or have no address, update USCIS as soon as you find a place, even if it’s a temporary address.
What if USCIS never received my address change?
It’s your responsibility to keep USCIS updated, and it’s best to keep proof of your address change. If you submit by mail, keep a copy of the form, and consider using registered mail. If you update online, USCIS automatically records it, and you don’t need to worry about the paperwork getting lost.
Does the USPS address change form notify USCIS?
No, the USPS change of address form only updates your mail forwarding with the postal service and doesn’t notify USCIS. You must submit your address change separately with USCIS to ensure you don’t miss important updates.
For Sponsoring Spouses Who Move Abroad
If you’re a sponsoring spouse temporarily living abroad, you still need to provide a U.S. address for USCIS correspondence. This can be the address of a trusted relative or friend in the U.S. You must update USCIS with this address within 10 days of moving.
Once your immigrant spouse’s application has been processed by the National Visa Center (NVC), you must provide any address updates directly to the NVC, not USCIS.
Purpose of Form AR-11
Form AR-11, known as the Alien’s Change of Address Card, is a mandatory document for non-U.S. citizens residing in the United States to report a change of address to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The primary purpose is to ensure that USCIS has accurate contact information for individuals, which is essential for communication regarding immigration benefits and compliance with the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Instructions for Filling Out Form AR-11
To complete Form AR-11, applicants must provide the following information:
- Full Name: Include family name, given name, and middle name (if applicable).
- Date of Birth: Format as mm/dd/yyyy.
- Alien Registration Number (A-number): Required if applicable.
- Old Address: The previous physical address from which you are moving.
- New Address: The new physical address where you will reside (no P.O. Boxes allowed).
- Mailing Address: Optional, if different from the new physical address.
All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory. After completing the form, it must be signed and dated before submission.
Requirement for All Applicants
All non-citizens in the U.S., including green card holders and those with pending immigration applications, are required to file Form AR-11 within 10 days of moving. Exceptions exist for A or G visa holders and certain temporary visitors. Failing to notify USCIS can result in penalties, including fines or deportation.
Address Change and Pending Applications
Changing your address can significantly impact pending applications such as Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) or Form N-400 (Naturalization). It is crucial to notify USCIS separately about your address change for each pending application. Simply filing Form AR-11 does not update your address on these applications; you must also contact USCIS directly via their customer service.
Confirming Address Change
To confirm that your address change has been processed, you can:
- Check your USCIS online account for updates.
- Look for a confirmation email from USCIS.
- Verify the status of your case using the USCIS case status tool.
It is advisable to keep a copy of any confirmation or receipt for your records as proof of your address change.
Special Circumstances
DACA Recipients
DACA recipients must also file Form AR-11 to update their addresses when applying for renewals or other DACA-related processes.
U.S. Citizens and Naturalization Applicants
U.S. citizens or those in the naturalization process should follow similar procedures to ensure their addresses are current with USCIS.
Moving While Waiting for a Green Card or Visa
If you move while waiting for a green card or visa, it’s critical to update your address promptly to avoid missing important correspondence from USCIS.
Tips and Best Practices
- Maintain a record of all address changes.
- Notify USCIS ahead of your move to prevent delays.
- Update your address with other relevant entities like the U.S. Postal Service and IRS.
Common Issues and Solutions
If you fail to update your address on time and miss important mail from USCIS, contact them immediately to rectify any missed notifications. If you do not receive confirmation of your address change, follow up with USCIS using their customer service line. For discrepancies between your records and USCIS’s information, submit proof of your actual address along with a request for correction
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the United States straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a F-1 Visa or an T Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the United States. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
