How to Properly Change Your Address with USCIS

It is very important that each client receive their mail, and therefore, update their address with USCIS as necessary.

When do we need to update our address with USCIS?

You are required to update your address within 10 days of moving. However, if your mailing address changes, you should update it with USCIS immediately.

How do we update our address with USCIS?

USCIS no longer has a simple change of address form to use, and now recommends that applicants and petitioners change their address through a myUSCIS online account if possible.  If that is not possible, applicants and petitioners must change their address by mailing a paper AR-11 to USCIS.  Visit this site for more information directly from USCIS: https://www.uscis.gov/addresschange

For cases involving more than one person, you will need to file a change of address for both; 1) the US citizen, and 2) the immigrant. You must submit a change of address for BOTH the US citizen and the immigrant. Also, USCIS will not necessarily update a petitioner or applicant’s address for every form they have on file, therefore YOU MUST ENSURE THE ADDRESS IS CHANGED FOR EVERY PENDING FORM/APPLICATION.

For example, if you have a pending adjustment of status case based on marriage:

You will need to update the following receipt numbers for the US citizen.

♦  Receipt No. for Form I-130

You will need to update the following receipt numbers for the immigrant spouse.

♦ Receipt No. for Form I-485

♦ Receipt No. for Form I-765

♦ Receipt No. for Form I-131

Where do I find the receipt number for each?

The couple will receive a Form I-797C, Notice of Action – basically just a receipt – for each form type listed above.  There will be a box with “Receipt Number” listed.

Will we receive a confirmation of address change?

If you do not receive a confirmation of the change of address, you should call USCIS at 1 (800) 375-5283 to verify that the address has been changed.

What else should we do?

You should also change your address with the post office and have your mail forwarded to your new address.  However, the post office will not forward certain documnets like green cards due to a notation on the envelope that says “do not forward.”

What happens if we do not update our address with USCIS properly?

Updating your address properly with USCIS is critical.  If you do not, your case may be denied, and you may be removed from the United States.