Moving to a new address can be exciting, but did you know that forgetting to update your address with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) could lead to serious consequences? Whether you are waiting on a green card, visa renewal, or any other immigration document, failing to report your new address could mean missed notices, delayed applications, or even legal penalties. In this article, we will explain why keeping USCIS informed about your address change is crucial and how you can easily stay compliant with this important requirement.

What is Form AR-11, Change of Address?

The AR-11 Change of Address form is required by USCIS to be completed and filed by certain individuals who need to report a change of address. The following individuals are required to submit this form:

1. Non-U.S. citizens
   • All non-U.S. citizens residing in the United States must notify USCIS of any address change within 10 days of moving. This requirement applies regardless of whether you are in the United States on a visa, as a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or in other nonimmigrant statuses (such as student or worker).
2. Individuals with pending applications or petitions
   • If you have a pending application or petition with USCIS (e.g., applying for a visa, green card, or naturalization), you must update your address to ensure that you receive correspondence regarding your case. Failing to do so can result in missing important notifications or the denial of your application.
3. Special immigrants or aliens with specific conditions
   • People who have been granted asylum, refugee status, or other forms of humanitarian relief may need to submit the AR-11 to keep their information up to date with USCIS.

Exemptions: Individuals not required to update their address with USCIS:

• U.S. citizens: U.S. citizens are not required to file the AR-11 form, but they may need to update their address with other federal agencies, like the IRS or Social Security Administration.
• Certain visa holders: This reporting requirement does not apply to A and G visa holders and visa waiver visitors.

What happens if you don’t submit Form AR-11, Change of Address?

Failure to submit the AR-11 when required can lead to consequences such as delays in processing applications or even penalties for not complying with U.S. immigration regulations.

The online option is your best choice for updating your address with USCIS.

The AR-11 form can be filed by paper or online. However, USCIS highly recommends submitting your change of address through your USCIS online account. This convenient online tool fulfills the legal obligation to report your move, eliminates the need for paper forms, updates your information almost instantly, and ensures you receive mail at the correct address. For information regarding filing online, please see this link: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-launches-new-online-change-of-address-tool

While you can still file a paper Form AR-11 by mail, using the online service is faster and more efficient.

If you prefer to use the paper form, please see the following link and download the Form AR-11 https://www.uscis.gov/ar-11.  When using this option, make sure to keep a copy of the form for your records and mail the form by using Federal Express or Express Mail (something with a tracking number to confirm receipt by USCIS).

You can also refer to the USCIS website for the step-by-step guide on changing your address. https://www.uscis.gov/addresschange

Small tip: When using your USCIS online account to change your address, you must enter the receipt numbers for each pending immigration application or petition to apply the change of address. Providing receipt numbers helps ensure that USCIS updates your address so you continue to receive important correspondence and benefits related to your pending cases from USCIS without delay.

In closing, keeping your address updated with USCIS is a simple but crucial step in ensuring your immigration process stays on track. Don’t forget to submit your AR-11 form promptly and share updates with your attorney to avoid unnecessary delays. Staying proactive with your address change helps keep your journey smooth and stress-free.

Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your RIS Attorney.

By Carolina Lugo Edelman
Senior Paralegal, Religious Immigration Services
Supervised by Attorney Graciela Mateo, RIS Managing Attorney CLINIC