Quick Summary: The USCIS Address Update Requirement
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who must update their address with USCIS? | All LPRs and foreign nationals lawfully residing in the U.S. |
| Deadline after moving? | Within 10 days of moving to a new address |
| Legal basis? | INA Section 265 (Immigration and Nationality Act) |
| Traditional form? | Form AR-11 (Alien’s Change of Address Card) |
| New online tool? | E-COA (Enterprise Change of Address) at uscis.gov/addresschange |
| Does updating with USPS count? | No: must update separately with USCIS; USPS does not forward USCIS mail |
| Consequences of non-compliance? | Fines; delays in case processing; missed critical USCIS notices |
In the United States, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records is crucial for individuals holding Lawful Permanent Resident status and those on nonimmigrant visas or in other status. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) requires that foreign nationals promptly update their address whenever they move.
Importance of Address Updates:
The requirement to update one’s address with the USCIS is based on the government’s need to keep accurate and current records of individuals residing in the country. This ensures that important documents, such as green cards and other immigration-related correspondence, are sent to the correct address. Additionally, it allows immigration authorities to effectively monitor individuals’ compliance with U.S. immigration laws and regulations.
Lawful Permanent Residents:
Lawful Permanent Residents, commonly known as green card holders, are required to report any change of address within 10 days of moving to a new residence. This obligation is outlined in Section 265 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Nonimmigrant Visa Holders and Others:
Individuals in the U.S. on nonimmigrant visas, such as H-1B, F-1, or J-1, and those in other status, are also subject to the address update requirement to notify the USCIS of any change of address within 10 days of moving. This ensures that the government has accurate information about their whereabouts during their authorized stay in the United States.
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
Failure to comply with the address update requirement can have severe consequences for individuals. Apart from potential fines and delays in processing immigration benefits, noncompliance may lead to a lapse in communication between the USCIS and the individual. This could result in missed notifications about important immigration matters, including interviews, appointments, or even changes in immigration policies.
How to Update Address Information:
The USCIS has launched a new Enterprise Change of Address (“E-COA”) self-service tool to allow individuals with pending applications, petitions, or requests to update their address with USCIS more easily. The USCIS hopes the E-COA will significantly improve the speed and efficiency of the process for address changes.
Traditionally, Lawful Permanent Residents and foreign nationals can update their address by filing Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card, either online or by mail. Visit the USCIS webpage at https://www.uscis.gov/addresschange to read and understand your options for making the change of address request.
Now, USCIS encourages residents and foreign nationals to submit their change of address request to USCIS through a USCIS online account and provides instructions on its How to Create a USCIS Online Account page.
However, it is not required that you create an online account. Most foreign nationals can file a paper Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card. For some exceptions, refer to the bottom of the https://www.uscis.gov/addresschange page.
To file the change of address online you should visit https://egov.uscis.gov/coa/displayCOAForm.do and begin answering the questions at the bottom of that page. This will start the online application process.
Change of Address with the U.S. Postal Service:
USCIS notes that changing your address with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will not change your address with USCIS and USPS will not forward your mail from USCIS. Please update your information with both USCIS and USPS.
If you have any questions about U.S. visas or immigration, contact us at info@enterlinepartners.com and speak with a U.S. immigration attorney in Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Taipei.
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Copyright 2024. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline and Partners only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are green card holders required to notify USCIS when they move?
Yes. INA Section 265 requires all lawful permanent residents and foreign nationals residing in the United States to notify USCIS of any change of address within 10 days of moving to a new residence. This applies to green card holders as well as nonimmigrant visa holders such as H-1B, F-1 and J-1 status holders.
How long do I have to update my address with USCIS after moving?
Under INA Section 265, you must update your address with USCIS within 10 days of moving to your new residence. To avoid missing this deadline, it is best to update your address on the day you move or as soon as possible afterward.
Does updating my address with USPS change my address with USCIS?
No. Updating your address with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has no effect on the address recorded in your USCIS file. Additionally, USPS will not forward mail sent by USCIS. You must update your address separately with USCIS through uscis.gov/addresschange, myUSCIS, or Form AR-11, and separately with USPS.
What is Form AR-11 and who needs to file it?
Form AR-11 (Alien’s Change of Address Card) is the official USCIS form for foreign nationals to report an address change. It applies to most foreign nationals residing in the United States, including green card holders and nonimmigrant visa holders. USCIS now encourages online submission through the E-COA tool at uscis.gov/addresschange rather than paper filing, as this is faster and updates pending case files directly.
I have a pending I-485 application and I am moving. What do I need to do?
If you have a pending I-485 or any other USCIS application, updating your address is especially urgent. USCIS may send a Request for Evidence (RFE), interview appointment notice or final decision to the address on file. Use the E-COA tool at uscis.gov/addresschange as it updates pending case files directly and is the fastest option. Update your address on the day you move if possible.
