Where to Report Your Address Change

USCIS requires you to report a change of address within 10 days of moving. You have three ways to do this: online through your USCIS account, by mail using Form I-865 (if you are a permanent resident), or by calling USCIS directly. The fastest method is online if you have an active account; by mail takes two to three weeks to process.

If you have a pending case or process with USCIS, updating your address in your account automatically notifies the agency about your move. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one at uscis.gov using your email and a password. Once logged in, you can update your mailing address and residential address separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your address change to USCIS within 10 days of moving to avoid missing important notices about your case.
  • The online method through your USCIS account is the fastest way to update your address and takes effect when ready.
  • If you do not have an online account, you can mail Form I-865 or call USCIS customer service at 1-800-375-5283.
  • Keep your old address on file temporarily if mail is still being forwarded, but update it in USCIS records as soon as you move.
  • USCIS sends notices to the address on file, so an outdated address can cause you to miss court dates, interview appointments, or decision letters.

Updating Your Address Online

Go to uscis.gov and sign in to your account using your email and password. If you do not have an account, click "Create Account" and follow the prompts to set one up with your email address and a find password. You will need to verify your email before you can log in.

Once you are logged in, look for the "My Cases" or "Account Settings" section. Select the case or process you want to update, then find the option to edit your address. You can change your mailing address (where USCIS sends mail) and your residential address (where you actually live) separately. Enter your new address completely, including street, city, state, and ZIP code. Save your changes. The update takes effect when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email.

Keep a copy of your confirmation for your records. If you have multiple pending cases, you may need to update the address for each one separately, depending on how your account is set up.

Mailing Form I-865 to USCIS

If you cannot or prefer not to update your address online, you can mail Form I-865, Affiliate Immigrant Petition for Alien Relative, or a written notice of your address change directly to USCIS. Write a letter that includes your name, date of birth, USCIS receipt number (if you have one), your old address, and your new address. Sign and date the letter.

Mail your letter or form to the USCIS office that handles your case. The address depends on which service center or field office is processing your case. You can find the correct mailing address on your USCIS notice or receipt letter, or search for your local USCIS office at uscis.gov/field-offices. Mail typically takes two to three weeks to process, so send it as soon as you move.

Use certified mail with return receipt if you want proof that USCIS received your change. Regular mail is acceptable, but certified mail gives you documentation. Keep a copy of everything you send.

Calling USCIS Customer Service

You can report your address change by phone by calling USCIS customer service at 1-800-375-5283. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Have your receipt number, date of birth, and new address ready before you call.

Wait times can be long, especially during business hours. If you reach an agent, they will confirm your old address and enter your new one into the system. Ask for a confirmation number and write it down. Processing by phone is when ready in the system, but you may still receive mail at your old address if it was already in transit.

What Happens If You Miss the 10-Day Window

USCIS law requires you to report a move within 10 days, but missing that important date does not automatically disqualify you or cancel your case. However, if USCIS sends a notice to your old address and you do not receive it, you may miss an interview, court date, or decision letter. This can result in your case being denied or dismissed by default.

If you realize you missed the important date, update your address when ready anyway. Contact USCIS to explain the delay and ask if any notices were sent to your old address. If you have a pending interview or court date, call customer service right away to confirm that USCIS has your correct address on file.

Updating Your Address for Different Case Types

The process is the same whether you are a permanent resident, have a pending green card process, are in removal proceedings, or have another type of case with USCIS. Always use your USCIS receipt number if you have one, as it helps the agency locate your file quickly.

If you are in removal proceedings (deportation case), notify both USCIS and the immigration court of your address change. The court has its own address update process, separate from USCIS. Contact your local immigration court directly or ask your immigration attorney to file a notice of change of address with the court.

If you are waiting for a decision on a case, updating your address does not delay the decision. USCIS will send the decision to whatever address is on file when they mail it, so update as soon as you move.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Do not assume that changing your address with the U.S. Postal Service automatically updates USCIS records. Mail forwarding and USCIS address records are separate systems. You must notify USCIS directly.

Do not leave your address blank or incomplete. USCIS needs a full street address, city, state, and ZIP code. If you are moving to a temporary address, you can update it again once you have a permanent one. Do not wait to update until you have settled completely; update as soon as you know your new address.

Do not ignore notices sent to your old address. If you receive mail from USCIS at your old address after you have moved, open it when ready. It may contain an interview notice or decision. Contact USCIS right away if you missed a important date because of the address change.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take USCIS to process an address change?

Online updates take effect when ready. Mailed forms take two to three weeks. Phone updates are when ready in the system, but mail already in transit may still arrive at your old address. If you have an urgent case, use the online method or call customer service.

Can I use a PO box or apartment number as my address with USCIS?

USCIS prefers a street address where you physically live. A PO box can be used as a mailing address if mail is not delivered to your home, but you must also provide your residential address. If you live in an apartment, include the unit number in your street address.

What if I move again before USCIS processes my first address change?

Update your address again when ready. Each update replaces the previous one. There is no limit to how many times you can change your address. USCIS will use the most recent address on file.

Do I need to update my address if I am only moving temporarily?

Yes. USCIS requires you to report any change of address within 10 days, even if it is temporary. You can update it again when you move back or to a permanent address. It is better to report a temporary move than to miss a notice.

What if I do not have a receipt number for my case?

You can still update your address online or by phone using your name and date of birth. If you are mailing a letter, include as much information as you have: your name, date of birth, country of birth, and any case number or reference number you received. This helps USCIS locate your file.