I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
See all posts Frank GogolUSCIS Change of Address
Updated on April 10, 2024
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If you move to the U.S. with an immigrant visa, you have a lot of responsibilities on your shoulders. Updating necessary information on your government-issued documents when something changes is one such responsibility.
For example, when you change your physical address, you need to inform the USCIS to be on the safe side. Failure to do so has consequences you don’t want to get into.
In this article, we’ll explain who, how, and when one should update their address with the USCIS.
Who Needs to Update Their Address With the USCIS?
As per the USCIS, all non-U.S. citizens, also known as aliens, are required to communicate their change of location to the USCIS. The same applies to special registrant aliens. This is even more important if you already have a petition pending with the USCIS and are waiting for the outcome.
Here are the types of individuals who have to do it as soon as possible:
Temporary Visa Holders
People who come into the U.S. on a temporary basis need to update their status. They need to do so within 10 days of moving into a new location. However, there are a few exceptions.
The following temporary visa holder groups need not do so:
- Diplomats/A-visa holders
- Government officials working for international organization/G-visa holders
- Visa-waiver beneficiaries (these are people who weren’t issued a visa and were permitted into the country for a maximum of 30 days)
Permanent Residents
Permanent residents are also known as green card holders. Irrespective of whether they have a 2-year green card or a 10-year green card, they need to inform the USCIS about a change of location.
Even if they have submitted any kind of immigration application recently after changing their location, they are required to inform the USCIS, and there are no exceptions.
Warning
Informing the USCIS about your change of address is mandatory. Failing to do so within 10 days will attract fines and penalties. A fine of $200 will be imposed the next time you fill out an immigration form. If officials find out before you notify them, you may face a 30-day jail sentence along with fine.
Thus, it is safe to say, this will put your immigration status at risk, and you may even face possible deportation.
How to Update Your Address: Form AR-11
The USCIS offers Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card Form, to non-citizens who need to update their address. It is a simple 2-page form with straightforward questions. There are no fees involved, and you don’t have to provide any supplemental documents. There are multiple ways of filing this form.
File It Online on the USCIS Website
Filling out the form online is easy and convenient. However, not all individuals can do so. You need to have a receipt number of pending cases. If you have no pending cases, then you won’t be able to file online. You will also need to provide documents for your old and new address.
- Go to the USCIS website and navigate to the “Address change” section. You can find it here.
- Log in with your USCIS credentials (MyUSCIS).
- Choose the proper category you belong to.
- Follow the instructions until you reach the end and provide the correct information wherever asked.
That’s it. Now just wait to receive a notification from the USCIS about the status of your filing.
Fill Out Form AR-11 Physically and Mail It
If you have no pending cases with the USCIS, then filing the form physically is your only option. While it might take a bit more time, it’s still fairly easy.
- Download the updated AR-11 form from the USCIS website.
- Fill out all the necessary details applicable to you and put N/A they are not applicable.
- Ensure that you’re selecting the right category.
- Also, ensure to provide proper signatures. Forms without a signature are rejected.
- Mail it to the address provided on the form (which is usually the USCIS office).
Special Cases
Special cases are applicable to people who have either filled out other immigration applications previously or belong to any of these categories:
Victims of Domestic Violence, Trafficking, and Other Crimes
These people have previously filled out applications with the USCIS and have them pending for approval. So, you have to send your AR-11 form to the Vermont Service Center address which is under its Humanitarian Division. If you’ve filed the following forms, then consider yourself eligible to do so:
- Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
- Form I-458, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Form I-765 and Form I-765V, Application for Employment Authorization
- Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status
- Form I-914 Supplement
- Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status
- Form I-918, Supplement
- Form I-929, Petition for Qualifying Family Member of U-1 Nonimmigrant
Form I-751 Abuse Waivers
If you’ve already filed for a waiver of the I-751 joint filing requirement, then you need to mail it to a different address. Click here to view all the addresses and choose the one applicable to you. People file it because they or/and their conditional resident child were abused.
U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens are also required to inform USCIS if they have submitted Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, with a foreign national. That is, they are in some way supporting the immigration status of an alien. They have 30 days to inform the authorities.
Civil Surgeons
Civil surgeons have to follow a different process if they need to inform the USCIS about their change of address. Click here for complete details.
Attorney of Record/Registered Representatives
If you fall under this category, then instead of filing AR-11, you need to file Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative.
Tips for Updating Your Address
When filing the application, keep these things in mind for smooth sailing with the USCIS:
- Only use certified and registered mail.
- Create copies of confirmations and save them for future use.
- Fill out the form(s) correctly and cross-check for errors.
- It’s not required to report a temporary change of address, so don’t file AR-11 for such cases.
- File one form for each family member.
- Include receipt numbers whenever asked.
Pending Applications
If you had already filed immigration-related applications with the USCIS before you changed your address, you have to inform the USCIS about it. This is crucial since they will be mailing the necessary documents to your old address. Don’t take it for granted that the USCIS will be aware of that. You can do so online by calling their customer service at 1-800-375-5283.
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Conclusion
Even though the change of address form is easy to fill out and file, you shouldn’t shy away from asking for help wherever necessary. Remember, these are legal matters, and any mistake can result in rejection.
Frank Gogol
I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.