AR-11 Change of Address: Five Answers to Common Questions on Changing Your Address

via The Beacon, Official Blog of USCIS

If you need to change your address with USCIS, the following five questions and answers should help you navigate the process a little more easily:

1. How soon after my move should I notify USCIS of my new address?

Most non U.S. citizens must notify USCIS of a new address within 10 days of moving. Exceptions include:

•Diplomats (visa status A),
•Official government representatives to an international organization (visa status G), and
•Certain nonimmigrants who do not possess a visa and who are in the U.S. for fewer than 30 days.

U.S. Citizens are required to notify USCIS of a change of address if they have previously submitted a Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, on behalf of someone who has become a permanent resident. If you have previously submitted a Form I-864 for someone who immigrated to the U.S., and that sponsorship agreement is still in force, you must complete a Form I-865, Sponsor’s Notice of Change of Address, within 30 days of the change in address.

2. How do I change my address with USCIS?

You can complete Form AR-11 and change your address on any pending application or petition by using our Online Change of Address service. If you do not use our online service, you must submit Form AR-11 by mail and change your address on any pending applications and/or petitions by calling our National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For more detailed information, visit our website.

3. Is changing my address with the post office enough?

No. If you are required to change your address with USCIS, but only change your address with the post office, you may not receive important notices about your case. In addition, failure to notify USCIS directly of your change of address may render you in violation of the applicable immigration laws.

4. Do I have to submit a change of address for every pending application or petition?

Yes. To ensure that all USCIS correspondence is sent to your current address, you must submit a change of address for every pending application and/or petition that you have with USCIS. You can do so online or by calling our National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

5. Is calling the National Customer Service Center to update my address on pending applications and/or petitions enough?

If you are a non-U.S. citizen (and you do not belong to one of the three excepted groups listed in the answer to question 2), the answer is "no." You must also submit Form AR-11, either online or by mail.

As already mentioned in the answer to question 3, you can update your address on pending applications and/or petitions either online or by calling the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

If you are a U.S. Citizen who previously submitted a Form I-864 that is still in force and you use the National Customer Service Center to update your address on an application or petition pending with USCIS, you must also complete a Form I-865 to satisfy your obligations under the applicable sponsorship regulations.

Link to USCIS Blog Post.