How to Change Your Address with USCIS: A Step-by-Step Guide

Staying up to date with your address is crucial when dealing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you’ve filed any immigration benefit requests, updating your address promptly ensures you receive important correspondence and benefits without delay. Moreover, noncitizens living in the United States are legally required to report a change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. Note that this requirement does not apply to A and G visa holders or visitors under the Visa Waiver Program.

Why It’s Important to Update Your Address with USCIS

Simply changing your address with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) won’t suffice. USPS will not forward mail from USCIS, meaning you must notify both USCIS and USPS of your new address. To ensure accuracy, use the USPS LookUp a ZIP Code tool to format your address correctly using USPS-approved abbreviations.

The Fastest Way: How to Change Your Address Online

The most efficient method to update your address is through your USCIS online account. This not only meets the legal requirement but also keeps your case processing uninterrupted. Here’s why updating your address online is beneficial:

• Quick Processing: Changes are processed almost instantly.
• Convenient: No need to file a paper Form AR-11.
• Tracking: Easily manage and track your case online.

Steps to Change Your Address Online

1. Log into your USCIS online account.
2. Go to the “My Account” dropdown menu and select the change-of-address tool.
3. Enter your new address and update the details for any pending or approved cases by entering their receipt numbers.

Note: If you don’t have a USCIS online account, visit the How to Create a USCIS Online Account page for instructions. Not everyone can use the online tool, so check the “Specific Procedures for Certain Populations” section if you encounter issues.

Don’t Forget the Receipt Numbers

If you’re changing your address online and have ongoing cases, you must input the receipt numbers for each pending benefit request. This ensures USCIS updates your address for all relevant cases, helping you avoid missed notifications and delays in processing.

Alternative Method: Changing Your Address by Mail

If you prefer traditional mail, you can file a paper Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card. While this option meets the legal requirement, USCIS strongly encourages using the online system for faster updates.

Special Situations

1. Petitioners: If you’ve petitioned for a beneficiary who moves, contact the USCIS Contact Center or the relevant office.
2. Sponsors: U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents who submitted an affidavit of support for someone must file Form I-865, Sponsor’s Notice of Change of Address, within 30 days of moving.

Important Note: If your beneficiary relocates to the U.S. or from the U.S. to another country, additional steps may be required. For family-based immigrant petitions, refer to Guidance for Family-BasedImmigrant Petitions.

Address Changes for Consular Processing

Beneficiaries living abroad and awaiting consular processing should update their address with the Department of State instead. Visit the National Visa Center Contact Information page for instructions.

For more guidance on address changes related to Form I-130, check out the Form I-130 webpage.

By following these steps, you can keep your USCIS records current, ensuring smooth communication and uninterrupted processing of your immigration benefits.

Should you have any questions or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact me by submitting the form or by calling me at (248) 900-3399.  I accept clients from across the U.S. and around the world.  My law office is conveniently located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan for in-person meetings.  For phone consultation, you can reach me from any part of the United States or abroad.