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 AR-11, or in person at a USCIS office. The online method is fastest — if you have an active account, you can update your address in minutes and receive confirmation when ready.

If you do not have an online account or prefer not to use one, you can mail Form AR-11 (Notification of Change of Address) to the USCIS lockbox that serves your state. The form is free and takes about two weeks to process by mail. In-person filing at a local USCIS office is also an option, though you will need to schedule an appointment first through the USCIS website.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your address change to USCIS within 10 days of moving, or your immigration documents and notices may go to the wrong location.
  • The fastest method is updating online through your USCIS account if you have one; changes take effect when ready.
  • If you do not have an online account, print and mail Form AR-11 to the lockbox serving your state, which takes about two weeks.
  • You can also file in person at a local USCIS office by scheduling an appointment through the USCIS website.
  • Bring your green card, passport, or receipt notice as proof of your immigration status when filing in person.

Updating Your Address Online

To change your address online, go to the USCIS website and sign into your account using your username and password. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one with your email address and a password. Once logged in, look for the "My Account" or "Profile" section and select the option to update your address.

Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your lease, utility bill, or other proof of residence. USCIS will ask you to confirm the address before you submit. Once you click submit, you will receive a confirmation page with a reference number — save this number in case you need to follow up. The change takes effect when ready, and USCIS will use your new address for all future correspondence.

Mailing Form AR-11 to USCIS

read Form AR-11 from the USCIS website or request a copy by calling 1-800-375-5283. The form is one page and asks for your name, date of birth, USCIS receipt number (if you have one), your old address, and your new address. You do not need to sign the form, but you must print it — USCIS does not accept handwritten or typed copies sent by email.

Mail the completed form to the lockbox address that serves your state. USCIS lockbox addresses vary by location, so check the USCIS website or the Form AR-11 instructions to find the correct address for your state. Mail the form by regular post; USCIS does not require certified mail or a tracking number, though sending it with tracking can give you peace of mind. Processing takes about two weeks after USCIS receives your form.

Filing in Person at a USCIS Office

To file your address change in person, visit the USCIS website and use the "Find a Local Office" tool to locate the field office nearest you. Click on that office and select "Schedule an Appointment." You will need to choose a service category — select "Address Change" or "Other" depending on what the office offers. Complete the online appointment request and USCIS will send you a confirmation with your appointment date and time.

Bring your green card, passport, or receipt notice as proof of your immigration status. Bring a piece of mail showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Arrive 15 minutes early. The appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you will receive a written confirmation that your address has been updated.

What Happens If You Miss the 10-Day Window

If you move and do not report your address change within 10 days, USCIS will continue sending notices and documents to your old address. This can cause serious problems: you may miss interview appointments, important date for submitting documents, or notices about your case status. If you realize you missed the important date, report your new address as soon as possible using any of the three methods above.

If you missed an appointment or important date because mail went to the wrong address, contact USCIS when ready at 1-800-375-5283 and explain what happened. Bring documentation showing when you moved and when you reported the change. USCIS may reschedule your appointment or extend a important date, though this is not may provide.

Proof of Your New Address

When you file in person, bring a document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government-issued ID with your new address, or a letter from your employer or school on official letterhead showing your new address.

The document must show your full name and complete address. If your name on the document does not match your USCIS records exactly, bring additional paperwork explaining the difference — for example, a marriage certificate if you changed your name. When you mail Form AR-11, you do not need to include proof of your new address, but keeping a copy of your utility bill or lease for your own records is a good idea.

Updating Your Address for Pending Cases

If you have a pending case with USCIS — such as a green card process, work permit process, or asylum case — updating your address is especially important. USCIS will use your new address to send interview notices, request letters, and decisions. Report your change through any of the three methods as soon as you move.

If your case is with a different agency, such as the Department of State (for visa processing) or your local immigration court (for asylum or removal proceedings), you may need to report your address change to them separately. Contact those agencies directly to find out how to update your information with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have a USCIS account and cannot create one?

You can mail Form AR-11 or file in person at a local USCIS office. Both methods work without an online account. If you have trouble creating an account, call 1-800-375-5283 and ask for help, or visit a USCIS office and ask staff to help you set one up.

Do I need to report my address change if I am a U.S. citizen?

No. Once you become a U.S. citizen, you do not need to report address changes to USCIS. You may need to update your address with other agencies, such as the Social Security Administration or your state's driver's license office, but USCIS does not track citizens.

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

Online changes take effect when ready. Mailed forms take about two weeks. In-person filings are processed the same day. After processing, allow a few extra days for USCIS to update all its systems before sending mail to your new address.

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

Report your second address change right away using any of the three methods. USCIS will use the most recent address you report. If you are concerned about missing mail, you can also request that USCIS hold your mail or forward it to a temporary address.

Can I change my address by phone or email?

No. USCIS only accepts address changes online, by mail using Form AR-11, or in person at a field office. Do not send address changes by email or try to report them over the phone, as they will not be processed.