Moving is a lot of work on its own: boxes, leases, new utilities. But if you are not a U.S. citizen, there is one task that cannot wait: telling USCIS your new address. The law requires most noncitizens living in the United States to report a change of address within 10 days of moving, whether or not they have a pending case.
This guide walks you through how the USCIS change of address works (online or with Form AR-11), what happens with pending cases, why immigration court and ICE keep separate records, and how to confirm your new address was recorded.
Who has to report a change of address?
According to the official USCIS page How to Change Your Address, all noncitizens in the United States must report a change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. That covers green card holders, people on temporary visas, asylum applicants, TPS beneficiaries, work permit holders, and anyone with an application in process.
USCIS lists only a few exceptions: A and G visa holders (diplomats and international organization staff) and Visa Waiver Program visitors. If you are unsure whether the rule applies to you, the official page is the reference.
Important: changing your address with the Postal Service (USPS) does not update your address with USCIS. USCIS warns that USPS will not forward its mail, so letters, biometrics appointments or even your card could go missing.
Option 1: the online change of address (recommended)
USCIS strongly encourages using the change of address tool in your USCIS online account (under "My Account"). The agency says this lets it process the change almost immediately, and it satisfies the legal requirement without a paper form.
- Sign in to, or create, your account at my.uscis.gov.
- Find the Change of Address option.
- Enter your new physical address and, if different, your mailing address. Use standard postal formatting (the USPS ZIP Code lookup helps).
- Add the receipt number for every pending case (numbers starting with IOE, MSC, EAC and so on). If you leave them out, the change will not apply to those cases.
- Review, submit, and save a screenshot or copy of the confirmation.
You can use your online account even if you filed your applications by mail.
Option 2: Form AR-11 by mail
Form AR-11, Alien's Change of Address Card is still valid. Mailing it meets the legal requirement, but USCIS notes that a paper AR-11 does not automatically update your address in its systems or in your pending cases. If you have a case in process, the online route is more practical.
- Edition: at the time of writing, USCIS accepts the 11/02/22 edition (and the 08/31/21 edition). Check the current edition before mailing.
- Cost: USCIS points to its fee schedule (G-1055). The AR-11 has historically been free, but check the current amount on the official site.
- Signature: USCIS rejects any unsigned form.
- Where to send it: to the address printed on the form. Do not send other forms or fees there.
- Practical tip: mail it with a service that gives you proof of delivery, and keep a copy.
Special cases: if you have a VAWA, T or U case, or an I-751 abuse waiver, there are separate instructions designed to protect your privacy. If you are a sponsor with an active Form I-864, you must also file Form I-865 within 30 days of moving.
If you have an immigration court case: EOIR-33 is separate
This is the most common mistake: assuming that telling USCIS is enough. Immigration court belongs to the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), part of the Department of Justice, not USCIS. Notifying USCIS or DHS does not count as notifying the court.
- The form is Form EOIR-33/IC (or EOIR-33/BIA if your case is before the Board of Immigration Appeals).
- The deadline is five working days after a change of address or phone number.
- It can be filed on paper or online through EOIR's Respondent Access portal.
- Each person with a court case needs a separate form, and a copy must go to DHS (Office of the Principal Legal Advisor), except where the form says otherwise.
- Moving does not move your court: until a decision is made otherwise, you must attend every scheduled hearing.
EOIR mails notices to the last address it has on file. If a hearing notice goes to an outdated address and you miss the hearing, the judge can issue an order in your absence, which has serious consequences for your case.
What if you have ICE check-ins?
If you are under ICE supervision (reporting appointments or an alternatives-to-detention program), ICE keeps its own record too. ICE offers a change of address form on the ICE Portal, and it is wise to tell your assigned officer as well. Remember: ICE, USCIS, the court and the post office are four separate notices.
| Agency | How to notify | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS | Online account or Form AR-11 | 10 days |
| Immigration court (EOIR) | Form EOIR-33 | 5 working days |
| ICE (if supervised) | ICE Portal and your officer | Per your instructions |
| USPS | Postal change of address | When you move |
What happens if you don't update your address?
The most common problems are practical: letters that never arrive, missed biometrics or interviews, requests for evidence not answered in time, and cards mailed to your old home. Beyond that, federal law (8 U.S.C. § 1306(b)) makes failing to give this written notice a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $200, up to 30 days in jail, or both, and allows removal proceedings unless the person shows the failure was reasonably excusable or not willful. The simple fix is to report on time.
How to confirm the change went through
- USCIS online: check that the new address appears in your profile and on each pending case.
- If you mailed an AR-11: keep the copy and the proof of mailing; if in doubt, call the USCIS Contact Center (800-375-5283).
- Immigration court: check your case in EOIR's Automated Case Information system and keep the stamped copy or electronic confirmation of your EOIR-33.
- Put your name on your new mailbox: plenty of mail comes back because the carrier doesn't recognize the name.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to tell USCIS if I move within the same city?
Yes. The rule applies to any change of address, even to another unit in the same building.
Is a USPS change of address enough?
No. USPS does not update your USCIS record or forward USCIS mail. They are separate steps.
If I update my address with USCIS, does immigration court find out?
No. If you have a court case, you must file Form EOIR-33 within five working days. EOIR states that notifying DHS is not notice to the court.
How much does Form AR-11 cost?
It has historically been free, but USCIS refers to its G-1055 fee schedule. Check the current amount on the official site.
Do I need to include my receipt numbers?
Yes, if you have pending cases. When you change your address online, enter the receipt number for each application so the new address applies to all of them.
We'll help you with the paperwork
At USA FILE Solutions we prepare your forms with the information you give us, organize your documents and help you follow up on your receipts so no notice slips through the cracks. We are not a law firm: if you have legal questions about your case or a court hearing, we recommend speaking with a licensed immigration attorney. Contact us to schedule a call.