How To Inform USCIS About Your Change of Address
Did you know that most noncitizens in the United States are legally required to inform United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of their change of address within 10 days of moving? We understand that moving is stressful enough without also having to worry about how it may affect your visa petition or other USCIS interactions.
The attorneys at Warren Law Firm help people access immigration services every day. Don’t let failure to submit a change of address stand in the way of your immigration dreams. We can help!
How To Change Your Address Using Your USCIS Online Account
USCIS’ Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) self-service online tool lets you submit a change of address to USCIS if you have an existing USCIS online account.
If you have a USCIS online account, you can login and submit your change of address. This is the case whether you submitted your immigration application online or by paper. If you don’t already have a USCIS online account, talk to your immigration attorney. You may still be able to create a USCIs online account and submit your change of address. Having an online account is helpful in many ways.
The option to submit your change of address through your USCIS online account eliminates the need to have your lawyer call the Contact Center or prepare a paper AR-11 form for most USCIS customers.
Who Must Notify USCIS of a Change of Address?
Most noncitizens in the country must report their change of address to USCIS within ten days of their move. The exceptions to this law are the following:
- Diplomats and government officials with A visas
- G visa holders employed directly by an international organization or representing a foreign government
- Visa waiver visitors
U.S. citizens who are immigrant sponsors who have signed an affidavit of support must also inform USCIS of any change of address. These sponsors have 30 days to report their move to USCIS.
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Reasons To Quickly Inform USCIS of Your Change of Address
Most noncitizens in the United States are legally required to notify USCIS of a change of address within 10 days. While it can also interfere with you receiving important correspondence from immigration officials, failure to notify the agency of your change of address can also be a visa violation. It may seem like a minor issue, but Section 266(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act makes failure to report your change of address a misdemeanor.
Failure to report your change of address can result in the following:
- $200 fine
- Up to 30 days in jail
- Possible removal proceedings
U.S. citizens who sponsor immigrants by submitting an Affidavit of Support must also notify USCIS of a change of address. Sponsors who do not notify USCIS of their change of address within 30 days may be fined.
Special Change of Address Procedures for Complying with Confidentiality Protections of Certain Victims
USCIS has special change of address procedures in place to protect the confidentiality of certain victims. These special procedures extend to the following groups:
- Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners
- T nonimmigrant applicants
- U nonimmigrant petitioners
- Permanent residence or adjustment of status applicants who were approved VAWA self-petitioners, T nonimmigrants and U nonimmigrants
- Employment authorization for Abused Nonimmigrant Spouse applicants
- Applicants for abuse waivers on Form I-751
The procedures for notifying USCIS of a change of address are different depending on the circumstances in each of these groups. The procedures are in place for your own safety. If you are in one of these groups and you are moving or have just moved, please contact your immigration attorney at once. They will be able to help you through the process or complete the process for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions About USCIS Change of Address Reporting
What if I previously submitted a paper case?
If the receipt number on your case began with IOE, USCIS officials ask you to make an online account and link your case with an Online Access Code. Then, you can update your address. You should always notify your immigration attorney of any move, so we will be able to help you through this.
Do I also have to notify the Immigration Court of my change of address?
Yes! When you submit your change of address to USCIS, it doesn’t update your address with the Immigration Court. If you have a case in Immigration Court, we will need to update your address with the court too.
Can I still file my change of address by mail?
You can still submit a change of address to USCIS using Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card under most circumstances. Please talk to your attorney so that we can properly advise you.
Can’t I just change my address with the post office?
No. While it’s also important to inform the U.S. Postal Service, doing so will not change your address with other federal agencies including USCIS.
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Warren Law Firm is located conveniently on Montgomery Street in San Francisco. We can provide interpreters in Spanish, Korean, Thai, Mandarin, or French. We realize that nothing about immigration law is simple, not even an address change. Every step of your journey will go more smoothly with the help of our legal team. If you need a dedicated, experienced immigration attorney who will look out for you, contact us today.