How to Report an Address Change to USCIS
Reporting An Address Change to USCIS
If you've recently moved (or are about to), you need to report your new address to USCIS.
This guide explains how and why - as well as what could happen if you don't update your information.
It's absolutely essential to report your address change to USCIS.
You need to know that simply changing your address with the U.S. Postal Service doesn't cut it, either - you must take the appropriate steps to change your address with USCIS if you move. Changing your address with the USPS will not change your address with the USCIS. You need to make sure that you change your address with both service agencies. Keep in mind, the USPS also will not forward secure documents like an employment authorization document or a permanent resident card. So, you absolutely must make sure that USCIS has received and processed your change of address before it mails any secure documents to you.
The following sections explain everything you need to know about changing your address as a non-citizen in the United States.
How Most People Will Need To Change Their Address With USCIS
In October 2023, USCIS fully launched a new online change of address tool. At that point, USCIS started sending emails and text messages to some people asking them to resubmit their address change using the new Enterprise Change of Address self-service tool. It’s expected to greatly improve the speed of the address change process. The E-COA tool is located within your USCIS Online Account. We know that not everyone has an existing online account, so, we’ll also explain how to set one up in a section below.
Most people need to submit their change of address with USCIS using this online self-service tool from now on. After the self-service tool came out, USCIS was clear that they strongly encouraged most everyone to make their submissions through a USCIS online account.
If you do not fall under one of the special categories listed below, you are technically still allowed to file a Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card the old-fashioned way by paper form. Still, changing your address with the E-COA tool is strongly encouraged, and this can’t be stressed enough.
Some people shouldn’t update their change of address using the E-COA though. Categories of people who can’t use the E-COA to update their addresses are the following:
- Victims of Domestic Violence, Trafficking, and Other Crimes
- Form I-751 Abuse Waivers
- S. Citizens
- Civil Surgeons
Changing Your Address With USCIS If You're A Victim Of Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, Or Other Crimes
If you filed forms relating you to being a victim of domestic violence, victim of human trafficking, or victim of another crime, you need to mail Form AR-11 to the following address:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Attn: Humanitarian Division
Vermont Service Center
38 River Road
Essex Junction, VT 05479-0001
The forms you may have filed include the following:
- Form I-360 as a VAWA self-petitioner
- Form I-485 as an abused spouse under the Cuban Adjustment Act or VAWA, or as a T or U nonimmigrant
- Form I-765 of I-765V
- Form I-914
- Form I-914, Supplement A
- Form I-918
- Form I-918, Supplement A
- Form I-929
Changing Your Address If You Filed A Form I-751 Abuse Waiver Petition
If you filed a Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, and included an abuse waiver request, the receipt number you received from USCIS tells you where to mail Form AR-11. The following table provides the addresses based on the first three letters in your receipt number.
| Receipt Number | Mailing Address |
| EAC | USCIS Vermont Service Center Attn: Humanitarian Division 38 River Road Essex Junction, VT 05479-0001 |
| LIN | USCIS Nebraska Service Center P.O. Box 87918 Lincoln, NE 68501-7918 |
| MSC | National Benefits Center P.O. Box 648006 Lee’s Summit, MO 64002 |
| SRC | USCIS Texas Service Center 6046 N Belt Line Rd. Irving, TX 75038-0001 |
| WAC | USCIS California Service Center Attn: Customer Service Section/SA P.O. Box 10751 Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1075 |
| YSC | Potomac Service Center 2200 Potomac Center Drive, MS 2425 Arlington, VA 20598-2425 |
Changing Your Address If You Are A U.S. Citizen, U.S. National Or Civil Surgeon
If you are a U.S. citizen or national who has submitted an affidavit of support for someone else, you must turn in a Form I-865, Sponsor’s Notice of Change of Address.
If you are a civil surgeon, you should use the email address that was on your approval notification to update your address.
Why Should You Update Your Address With USCIS?
According to the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, as noted above, any alien who moves must notify USCIS of a change of address within 10 days after moving. Not updating your address with USCIS can have serious consequences - even if it was an honest mistake.
What Happens If You Fail To Update Your Address With USCIS?
If you fail to update your address with USCIS, you could face a number of consequences, including:
- Your application being delayed or rejected because USCIS couldn't reach you
- Having your application denied because you missed an important notice or document that USCIS sent to your last reported address
- Missing your naturalization ceremony because USCIS couldn't reach you
- Being placed into removal proceedings
- Potentially being fined or possibly ending up with jail time.
It's very important to keep your address updated with USCIS. Use the method that applies to you, and make sure to do it within 10 days of moving. If you have forgotten to update your address and more than 10 days have passed, you should inform your lawyer and update it as soon as possible.
How Do You Make A USCIS Account?
USCIS has a helpful video that explains exactly how to create a USCIS online account. That video can be found here. Your attorney will be able to assist you if this is all too overwhelming.
It’s important that you do not create a shared account with anyone else. Individual accounts are required. To create an online account so that you can access the E-COA tool, follow the instructions by starting at the sign up page.
Even if your forms were previously filed on paper, your case can still be linked to your online account. If you previously submitted a paper case, check to see if the receipt number began with IOE. If it did, you can create an account and link your case with an Online Access Code. Once your case has been linked, you can update your address. To get a new Online Access Code, request one here.
Make Sure To Update Your Address With All Other Required Agencies Too
While it may be frustrating that you can’t file one change of address notification that would update your information with every state and federal agency at once, that’s just not the case. Once you have properly notified USCIS and the U.S. Postal Service, you should consider what other agencies need to be updated about your move as well.
For example, you must update your state identification card or driver’s license with your new address too. Your official ID needs to match the information that the USCIS has on record for you. If you are a student in the country on an academic visa, you should also make sure your designated school official updates your address in SEVIS. If you are in immigration proceedings, you should notify the Immigration Court of your change of address as well.
Who Doesn’t Have To Inform USCIS Of A Change Of Address?
Virtually everyone involved in the processes that go through USCIS needs to notify USCIS when they move, but there are three exceptions. Since non-immigrant visa holders with less than 30 days in the country only have temporary living accommodations, they do not have to report the address of changed accommodations. G and A visa holders can, and usually do, use the address of their official organizations as the address on file with USCIS.
Do You Have Questions For An Attorney About Immigration?
We realize that not much is simple when it comes to visas and permanent residency. While handling a move is stressful enough for U.S. citizens, the burden is even greater for non-citizens living in the United States. If all this seems overwhelming, we're here to help. Call our office to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney now - we can give you the guidance you need. If you prefer, you can also use our contact form to schedule a free consultation.