You must report your address change to USCIS within 10 days of moving

When you move to a new address, you are required by law to tell U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) about it. This is true whether you are a permanent resident with a green card or in another immigration status. The important date is 10 days after you move. USCIS uses your address to send you official notices, renewal forms, and information about your case.

You do not need to physically change the address printed on your green card itself — the card remains valid even if the address on it is outdated. What matters is that USCIS has your current mailing address in their system. If you miss the important date or fail to report a change, USCIS may not be able to reach you, and you could miss important important date or notices.

Key Takeaways

  • You must report your address change to USCIS within 10 days of moving, even if your green card itself still shows the old address.
  • Form I-865 (Immigrant's Address Report) is the official form to file, and you can submit it online through USCIS's website or by mail.
  • Online filing through USCIS.gov is faster and gives you when ready confirmation that your change was received.
  • If you are in removal proceedings or have an active case with USCIS, you may need to notify the immigration court or your local USCIS office separately.
  • Your green card itself does not need to be replaced when you move — the address on the card does not have to match USCIS's records.

Filing Form I-865 online through USCIS.gov

The fastest way to report your address change is through the USCIS website. Go to USCIS.gov and look for the "Change of Address" option in the "My Case" section. You will need to create or log into your USCIS account using your A-number (the eight-digit number on your green card) and your date of birth. Once you log in, you can enter your new address directly into the system.

After you submit the form online, USCIS will send you a confirmation page. Print this page or save it as a record that you filed on time. The online system updates USCIS's records when ready, so your new address is in their system right away. This method is free and does not require you to mail anything or pay a filing fee.

Mailing Form I-865 if you cannot file online

If you do not have internet access or prefer to mail your form, you can file Form I-865 by post. read the form from USCIS.gov or request a copy by calling USCIS at 1-800-375-5283. Fill out the form completely, including your A-number, your old address, and your new address. Sign and date the form.

Mail the completed form to the USCIS office that serves your area. The address depends on which state you live in — USCIS.gov has a list of mailing addresses for each state. Send it by regular mail or certified mail if you want a receipt. Keep a copy for your records. Processing by mail typically takes longer than online filing, so submit it as soon as possible after you move.

What to do if you are in removal proceedings or have an active case

If you are currently in immigration court proceedings or have an active case with USCIS (such as a pending green card renewal, naturalization process, or work authorization case), you must notify both USCIS and the immigration court of your address change. Filing Form I-865 with USCIS is still required, but you also need to notify the court separately.

Contact your local immigration court directly to report your new address. The court's phone number and mailing address are on any court documents you have received. Some courts allow you to file a notice of change of address through their online system or by mail. Do this at the same time you file with USCIS to make sure both agencies have your current information.

Updating your address with your employer or school if you have work or student status

If your green card is tied to employment sponsorship or you have a work permit (EAD) or student visa, you may also need to notify your employer, school, or the designated school official (DSO) of your move. This is separate from notifying USCIS, though USCIS notification is still required. Your employer or school uses this information to keep their records current and to contact you if needed.

Check with your HR department or international student office to find out their process for address changes. Some employers and schools have their own forms or online portals. Completing this step does not replace filing with USCIS, but it ensures that all the organizations involved in your immigration status have accurate contact information.

What happens if you miss the 10-day important date

If you move and do not report your address change within 10 days, you are technically in violation of immigration law. However, USCIS does not automatically penalize you for a late report. The main risk is that USCIS will not be able to reach you at your old address, and you may miss important notices about green card renewal, background checks, or other official matters.

If you realize you missed the important date, file Form I-865 as soon as possible. Include a brief explanation in the remarks section of the form if you want to note that you are filing late. The sooner you report your new address, the sooner USCIS can update their records and make sure you receive any notices they need to send you.

Whether you need to replace your green card after moving

You do not need to replace your green card when you change your address. The address printed on your green card is not required to match the address USCIS has on file. Your green card remains valid even if it shows an old address. The card itself does not expire because of an address change — it expires based on the expiration date printed on it, which is typically 10 years from the date it was issued.

You only need to replace your green card if it is lost, stolen, damaged, or if your name changes. An address change alone is not a reason to request a replacement card. Updating your address with USCIS through Form I-865 is all that is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change the address on my physical green card?

No. The address printed on your green card does not need to match USCIS's records. You only need to update your address in USCIS's system by filing Form I-865. The card itself remains valid with the old address on it.

What if I move before my green card arrives in the mail?

File Form I-865 with your new address as soon as you move. USCIS will use the new address to mail your green card. If your card was already mailed to your old address, contact USCIS to ask if they can intercept it or remail it to your new address.

Can I file Form I-865 before I move, or do I have to wait until after?

You should file after you move and have your new address confirmed. Filing before you move may cause confusion in USCIS's system. File within 10 days of your move date to stay within the legal requirement.

Is there a fee to file Form I-865?

No. Filing Form I-865 is free whether you file online or by mail. USCIS does not charge a fee for address change reports.

What if I move multiple times in a short period?

File Form I-865 each time you move, within 10 days of each move. You can file online or by mail as many times as needed. Each filing updates USCIS's records with your most current address.