If you are a non-citizen living in the United States, you generally must inform U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of an address change. In fact, certain U.S. citizens should also submit a USCIS change of address form when they are involved with an active immigration case. It’s easy, and it’s free. So, there really is no reason not to keep your address up-to-date.
What You'll Learn
- Who Must File a Change of Address with USCIS
- Which Form to Use (Quick Reference)
- Why Notify USCIS of an Address Change
- How to File Your USCIS Change of Address Online (Best Option)
- Pending Petitions at the National Visa Center
- U.S. Citizens Should Inform USCIS of an Address Change in These Cases
- What If My Immigration Case Is in Court?
- Victims of Crime Have a Different Process
You are not required to seek approval for a change in residence. You’re free to move to a different home while in the United States as a permanent resident or any other immigration status. But it is necessary to inform USCIS of your new location.
Who Must File a Change of Address with USCIS
Almost every non-citizen living in the U.S. must report a change of address to USCIS within 10 days. This includes most visa holders, green card holders, and deferred action recipients.
You're exempt if you are:
- A diplomat or representative with A or G visas
- A visitor admitted under the Visa Waiver Program and staying fewer than 30 days
Even U.S. citizens should report an address change to USCIS if they have a pending petition or have already sponsored an immigrant.
Which Form to Use (Quick Reference)
| Situation | Form | Deadline | File With |
|---|---|---|---|
| You’re a noncitizen who moved | Form AR-11 | Within 10 days | USCIS (online or by mail) |
| You sponsored someone with Form I-864 | Form I-865 | Within 30 days | USCIS (by mail only) |
| You have a case in immigration court | Form EOIR-33 | Within 5 working days | EOIR (court system) |
Why Notify USCIS of an Address Change
Updating your address with USCIS isn’t just a good idea — it’s a legal requirement that protects your immigration case and your future in the U.S.
- It’s required by law: Most non-citizens must report a new address to USCIS within 10 days.
- Helps avoid case delays: USCIS sends important notices by mail (e.g., biometrics, interviews). Missed mail can lead to case denial.
- USCIS won’t call you: If they can’t reach you, they won’t follow up. They may simply deny your application.
- Legal consequences for noncompliance:
- Willfully failing to update your address is a misdemeanor
- Penalties of up to $200 fine and 30 days in jail
- Defenses are limited: Only “reasonably excusable” or unintentional failures may be forgiven
- Bottom line: Staying compliant protects your immigration status and peace of mind.
How to File Your USCIS Change of Address Online (Best Option)
There are two types of USCIS change of address forms: online and paper. However, the fastest and most reliable method is to use the official USCIS Change of Address tool on their website. This updates your address with USCIS and lets you attach it to any active immigration cases.
They call it E-COA (Enterpise Change of Address). It's a self-service online tool from USCIS that allows individuals to update their addresses electronically, eliminating the need to mail forms or call the USCIS Contact Center.
File Electronically
Log into your USCIS online account. If you do not have one, you can easily create one.
Before getting started, you’ll need to have your new address, old address, A-number (if applicable), and an email address. If you have any pending forms, you will also need the receipt number from each case.
If you file through the USCIS website, you’ll be able to fulfill your obligation and update any pending applications or petitions at the same time. Be sure to list the receipt number for every form that’s pending.
Mail Form AR-11
You may prefer to mail your form. Some categories must mail a form. If you mail your form, we do recommend calling USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to confirm they update your address with any pending cases. You can download the PDF or prepare it at no cost on CitizenPath.
Pending Petitions at the National Visa Center
If you change your address online through your USCIS account, USCIS indicates they will update your pending applications or petitions. However, cases that have moved on to the National Visa Center (NVC) require that you contact them directly.
If USCIS approved a Form I-130 or Form I-129F, it’s likely that they transitioned your case to the National Visa Center. The NVC is part of the State Department. (USCIS is part of the Department of Homeland Security.) Therefore, you’ll need to update your address with the NVC.
To provide your new address to the NVC, use their Public Inquiry Form. Additionally, you should advise them if your email address or phone number changes.
U.S. Citizens Should Inform USCIS of an Address Change in These Cases
There are at least a couple of situations that U.S. citizens and any petitioner should want to inform USCIS when there is a change of address.
Petitioning a Relative for Permanent Residence
As already mentioned, USCIS needs your current address to communicate with you regarding pending petitions. If you have filed Form I-130 or Form I-129F and the case continues to be pending, submit an online USCIS change-of-address request as soon as you've moved to new address. Or, contact the NVC with your new address.
Already Sponsoring an Immigrant
If at any time in the past you completed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to sponsor an immigrant, you are required to report your change of address within 30 days of the change if the sponsorship agreement is still in force. However, do not use Form AR-11. Submit a completed and signed Form I-865 (Sponsor’s Notice of Change of Address) to USCIS.
What If My Immigration Case Is in Court?
USCIS is not the same as immigration court. If your case is being handled by EOIR (Executive Office for Immigration Review) or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), you must file a separate form:
- Form EOIR-33 is required within 5 working days of your move
- File it with the specific court or EOIR system, not with USCIS
- You must file a separate form for each family member
USCIS cannot forward your address to EOIR, so failing to update both can lead to missed hearings and removal orders.
Victims of Crime Have a Different Process
If you are the victim of domestic violence, trafficking, or other crime, do not use the online change-of-address process to file an address change notification. Individuals in these categories generally include anyone that has filed for or received approval using VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), T or U non-immigrant status.
You may call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to request an address change. Alternatively, you may mail Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address, via certified, registered, or return receipt mail to:
For cases located at the Vermont Service Center (receipt number begins with EAC):
U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
Attn: Humanitarian Division
38 River Rd.
Essex Junction, VT 05479-0001For cases located at the Nebraska Service Center (receipt number begins with LIN):
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Nebraska Service Center
Attn: I-918
P.O. Box 87918
Lincoln, NE 68501-7918Frequently Asked Questions About USCIS Address Changes
About CitizenPath
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