Where to Report Your Address Change to USCIS

USCIS requires you to report a new 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 USCIS account, you can update your address in minutes without mailing anything or waiting in line.

If you do not have an online account or prefer to mail your change, you will use Form AR-11 (Alien's Change of Address). This form goes to a specific USCIS lockbox address depending on your state. The in-person option works only if you have a scheduled appointment or are already at a USCIS office for another reason.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS requires you to report your new address within 10 days of moving, and failing to do so can delay your case or result in missed notices.
  • The fastest method is updating online through your USCIS account if you have one; the process takes a few minutes and requires no mailing.
  • If you mail Form AR-11, send it to the lockbox address for your state, which you can find on the USCIS website — standard mail takes 1 to 2 weeks to process.
  • You will need your A-number (Alien number) or receipt number to report your change, whether online or by mail.
  • After you report your address, USCIS will send a confirmation notice to your new address within 2 to 3 weeks.

Updating Your Address Online

Log in to your USCIS account at uscis.gov using your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one for free using your email address and a password you choose. Once logged in, look for the "My Account" or "Profile" section and select the option to update your address.

Enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. USCIS will ask you to confirm the address before you submit. After you submit, you will see a confirmation message on screen. This does not mean your address is fully updated in USCIS records — it means your request was received. You should receive a written confirmation notice at your new address within 2 to 3 weeks.

Keep the confirmation message or take a screenshot in case you need proof that you reported the change on time. If you do not receive a written notice within 3 weeks, contact USCIS to verify the update went through.

Mailing Form AR-11 by Post

read Form AR-11 from the USCIS website or request a copy by calling 1-800-375-5283. Fill in your full name, your A-number (the eight-digit number on your green card or immigration documents), your old address, and your new address. Sign and date the form.

Mail the completed form to the USCIS lockbox address for your state. These addresses are listed on the Form AR-11 instructions page on uscis.gov — do not mail it to a local USCIS office, as it will be delayed. Use regular mail; certified mail is not required but can give you proof of mailing if you want it.

Processing by mail typically takes 1 to 2 weeks after USCIS receives your form. You will receive a written confirmation at your new address. If you mailed the form more than 2 weeks ago and have not received confirmation, contact USCIS with your A-number to check the status.

Reporting Your Address Change in Person

You can report your address change at a USCIS office if you have a scheduled appointment for another matter — for example, a biometrics appointment or an interview. Bring your completed Form AR-11 or straightforward tell the officer at the appointment that you have moved and provide your new address.

Do not go to a USCIS office only to report an address change. The wait times are long, and this is not an efficient use of the office's resources. Use the online method or mail the form instead. In-person reporting is useful only if you are already there for a required appointment.

What Information You Will Need

Have your A-number (Alien number) ready. This is an eight-digit number printed on your green card, I-94 arrival/departure record, or any USCIS notice. If you have a receipt number from a pending case, that works too. You will also need your old address and your new address.

If you are updating online, you will need your USCIS account login. If you are mailing Form AR-11, you need nothing else — just the form, your information, and the correct lockbox address for your state. If you are reporting in person, bring your green card or other immigration document that shows your A-number.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not wait longer than 10 days to report your move. USCIS can issue notices to your old address, and if you do not receive them, your case can be delayed or you may miss an important important date. Even if you think you have already reported the change, verify it by logging into your account or calling USCIS to confirm.

Do not mail Form AR-11 to a local USCIS office. It will be forwarded to the correct lockbox, which adds weeks to processing time. Always use the state-specific lockbox address printed on the form instructions. Do not assume your address was updated just because you submitted the form or saw a confirmation message online — wait for the written notice to be certain.

If you are moving again soon, report each address change separately and on time. Do not try to report multiple moves at once or skip reporting an intermediate address. Each move requires its own report within 10 days.

What Happens After You Report Your Change

USCIS will send you a written confirmation notice at your new address within 2 to 3 weeks. This notice confirms that your address has been updated in their system. Keep this notice with your immigration documents.

Any future notices, decisions, or appointment letters from USCIS will be sent to your new address. If you have a pending case — such as a green card process, work permit renewal, or citizenship case — the new address will be used for all correspondence related to that case. If you do not receive expected notices within the normal timeframe, contact USCIS to verify your address is correct in their records.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have an A-number?

You need an A-number to report an address change to USCIS. If you do not have one, you may not have a case with USCIS yet. Check any notices or documents you have received from USCIS or immigration court. If you still cannot find it, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 with your name and date of birth, and they can provide your A-number.

Can I report my address change for someone else?

No. The person whose address is changing must report it themselves, either online, by mail, or in person. A family member or attorney can help fill out the form or guide the process, but the individual must submit it. If someone is unable to do so due to a disability or language barrier, an authorized representative can file on their behalf with proper documentation.

What if I move again before I receive my confirmation notice?

Report your new address right away using the same method. You do not need to wait for the confirmation from your first move. Each move should be reported within 10 days. USCIS will process each change separately, and your most recent address will be the one used for all future correspondence.

How long does it take for my address change to show up in USCIS records?

Online updates are recorded when ready, but the written confirmation takes 2 to 3 weeks to arrive. Mailed forms take 1 to 2 weeks to process after USCIS receives them, plus mail delivery time. Your address is considered updated once USCIS processes your report, not when you receive the confirmation notice.

What if I never received my confirmation notice?

Wait at least 3 weeks from the date you reported your change. If you still have not received it, contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 with your A-number to verify the address change was processed. Provide the date you reported the change and the method you used (online or mail). They can confirm whether your new address is in their system.