Filing a Change of Address with Immigration Services

If you’re a non-US citizen registered with US Citizenship and Immigration Services, you must report a change of address within 10 days of moving.

It’s easy to put this off, especially during the process of moving. But doing this isn’t just for your benefit — it’s legally required.

Luckily, completing a change of address is easier than ever, and doing it soon will prevent problems with immigration services.

Why You Need to File a Change of Address

If you have a pending application or petition already filed with immigration services, it is especially important to submit the change of address within 10 days of your move. The last thing you need is for a permit or approval to get lost in the mail!

When you file your change of address and update your pending case, you will be sure to receive notifications, the decision on your case or any vital original documents in a timely manner. Getting a petition approved is great, but it’s even better when you’ve received all your documentation.

Who Needs to Complete a Change of Address

Immigration services requires all non-US citizens — including non-immigrants and legal permanent residents — who are over the age of 14 and who plan to be in the United States for over 30 days to report a change of address by filling out and submitting Form AR-11.

If you are in the United States with dependents, you must file a separate Form AR-11 for each person.

How to File a Change of Address

The fastest and easiest way of notifying immigration services of your change of address is through an easy online tool that allows you to file Form AR-11 electronically as well as update your address on any pending cases.

You can also obtain Form AR-11 online, print it, fill it out and send it in. There are two addresses at the bottom of the form: one for regular mail and one for commercial overnight or private couriers.

If you choose to submit your change of address by mail, remember:

• This method considerably delays the change of address process.

• Immigration services recommends sending the change of address using registered, certified or return receipt mail, or a fast freight service. This ensures that there will be proof that the form was sent.

• Filing Form AR-11 by mail does not update your address on any pending applications. To do this, you will need to call immigration customer service at 1-800-375-5283 to request an address change on a pending case.

What Happens if You Don’t File a Change of Address

Failure to report a change of address to immigration services can have dire consequences.

Some documents sent to you may be returned to the sender as undeliverable. If they are not claimed within a year, they could be destroyed.

A willful failure to notify immigration services of your change of address is a misdemeanor crime, and conviction can lead to a fine, jail time or even deportation.

If your 10-day deadline has passed, don’t panic! Just file Form AR-11 as soon as you can. Immigration services can dismiss the failure to file if it “was reasonably excusable or was not willful.”

When you file your change of address with immigration services promptly, you can get back to the important things — like worrying about where to put the furniture.