The law requires most non-U.S. citizens to notify the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of address changes within 10 days of moving. It is the sole responsibility of the person applying for immigration benefits for themselves or their family to ensure that USCIS has their updated address. Failure to provide written notice of a change of address is a misdemeanor and may affect your ability to acquire immigration benefits in the future.
In my column this week in La OpiniónI answer the question of a reader who wants to know how to change his address with the USCIS and the U.S. Department of State.
I am a permanent resident and I am petitioning for my wife. We have moved to a new house and I want to know if I have to notify immigration of my change of address. - Miguel M.
You must notify the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of your change of address. The law requires most non-U.S. citizens to notify USCIS of address changes within 10 days of moving. It is the sole responsibility of the person applying for immigration benefits for themselves or their family to ensure that USCIS has an updated address. Failure to give written notice of a change of address is a misdemeanor and could affect your ability to acquire immigration benefits in the future.
USCIS processes hundreds of thousands of applications each year and often require additional evidence, which is requested by mail. USCIS may reject a case as abandoned if the applicant for immigration benefits fails to respond promptly to a request for evidence.
Non-citizen immigrants must fill out Form AR-11. It can be mailed or completed online by going to https://tinyurl.com/3g7wsml. It is recommended that you keep copies of all correspondence sent to USCIS, use certified or registered mail to ensure delivery, and have proof that you sent the documentation.
It is not mandatory for a U.S. citizen to provide a change of address, but it is recommended that they do so if they have a pending case with USCIS (e.g., a family petition), so that there are no delays in processing.
Each government agency has its own procedures for address changes. Although not mandatory, the U.S. Department of State recommends immediate change to avoid delays in consular processing requests. Changes can be reported through the National Visa Center by writing to nvcinquiry@state.gov or calling 603-334-0700. If your case is being processed at a U.S. consulate, contact the appropriate consulate to change your address. Visit https://www.usembassy.gov to find the consulate contact information.
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