US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reminded immigrants in the United States that they must report any change of address to the agency within 10 days of moving.
The agency warned that failing to update an address could result in missed notices, delays in immigration cases, and problems receiving important immigration documents.
USCIS shared the reminder on X, formerly Twitter, and also clarified that changing an address with the US Postal Service (USPS) does not automatically update the address on USCIS records.
“Changing your address with USPS does not update your address with USCIS, and USPS will not forward USCIS mail. You are responsible for keeping your address current with both USCIS and USPS. If you do not update your address with USCIS, you may miss notices, your case may be delayed, and you may not receive your immigration documents,” the agency said.
The post also included a link to the USCIS webpage explaining how applicants can update their address.
Who Must Report an Address Change?
Anyone who has filed an immigration benefit request with USCIS should report a change of address as soon as possible to avoid delays in receiving correspondence or benefits.
In addition, most non-US citizens living in the United States are required to report a change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. The requirement does not apply to A and G visa holders or visitors under the Visa Waiver Program.
USCIS strongly recommends updating the address through a USCIS online account immediately after moving.
The agency again stressed that updating an address with USPS does not update USCIS records, and USPS will not forward mail sent by USCIS. Applicants should therefore update their address separately with both agencies.
How to Change Your Address Online
Most people can update their address through the USCIS Enterprise Change of Address, or E-COA, self-service tool.
The feature is available through a USCIS online account under the “My Account” menu.
Using the online system helps meet the legal requirement to report a move and allows USCIS to process the address change quickly. It also removes the need to mail a paper Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card.
Even applicants who originally filed their immigration request by mail can use a USCIS online account to update their address for pending, approved, or previously filed cases.
USCIS said applicants with pending cases should enter the receipt number for each benefit request when changing their address. This helps ensure that the new address is updated across all relevant cases.
How to Change Your Address by Mail
Applicants may also submit a paper Form AR-11 by mail.
While this satisfies the legal requirement to report a change of address, USCIS said the paper process does not automatically update the address across its systems.
For this reason, the agency strongly encourages applicants to use the online change-of-address tool whenever possible.
