Update Your Address Online or by Mail

You can change your address with USCIS through two main routes: the online system called USCIS online services, or by mailing a paper form. The online method is faster — it updates within days — but you need an active account. If you do not have one or prefer paper, you mail Form AR-11 (Alien's Change of Address) directly to USCIS, which takes two to three weeks to process.

The address you register with USCIS is the one they use to mail you notices about your case, interview appointments, and decisions. If you move and do not update it, you may miss critical important date or never receive your approval notice. Starting the change now, before you move, prevents mail from going to an old address.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS online services is the fastest way to change your address if you have an account — the change takes effect within days.
  • Form AR-11 (Alien's Change of Address) is the official paper form; mail it to the USCIS office that handles your case or to the general address listed on the form.
  • You must update your address before you move, or as soon as possible after, to may support USCIS can reach you about your case.
  • If you have a pending case, changing your address does not affect your case status or timeline — it only updates where USCIS sends mail.

Change Your Address Online Through USCIS Online Services

Log in to your USCIS online services account at uscis.gov. Click on "My Cases" and select the case for which you want to change the address. Look for an option labeled "Change of Address" or "Update Address" — the exact wording varies by case type. Enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Do not include an apartment number in the street address line; put it in the apartment or suite field instead.

After you submit the change, USCIS sends a confirmation email to the email address on file. Check your email (including spam folders) within a few minutes. The address change takes effect within one to three business days. If you do not receive a confirmation email, log back in and verify the new address appears in your case details. If it does not, try the change again or use the paper form instead.

You can only change the address for cases linked to your account. If you have multiple cases — for example, a work visa and a green card process — you must update the address for each one separately.

Change Your Address by Mailing Form AR-11

read Form AR-11 from uscis.gov or request a copy by phone at 1-800-375-5283. Fill in your name, date of birth, and A-number (your USCIS alien number, found on your green card, work permit, or any USCIS notice). Write your new address in the space provided. Sign and date the form. Do not notarize it — a regular signature is sufficient.

Mail the completed form to the USCIS office that handles your case. If you do not know which office that is, mail it to the general address listed on the back of Form AR-11. Include a copy of your green card, work permit, or any recent USCIS notice showing your A-number. Mail takes one to two weeks to arrive, and USCIS takes another one to two weeks to process it after receipt, so plan for two to three weeks total.

Keep a copy of the form and the envelope receipt for your records. If you mail it from a post office, ask for tracking so you can confirm delivery.

What Happens If You Move Without Notifying USCIS

USCIS will mail notices to your old address. If no one lives there, the mail may be returned to USCIS marked "address unknown" or "return to sender." USCIS may then assume you cannot be reached and may close your case, deny your process, or schedule an interview without your knowledge. Missing an interview date is grounds for dismissal in many cases.

If you realize you missed a notice, contact USCIS when ready by phone at 1-800-375-5283 or through your online account. Explain that you moved and did not receive the notice. USCIS may reschedule an interview or reopen a case, but this depends on how long ago the notice was sent and the type of case you have. It is far easier to update your address before you move.

Updating Your Address for Work Permits and Green Cards

If you have an Employment Authorization Document (work permit) or a green card, changing your address with USCIS does not automatically update the card itself. The address printed on the card is not used by USCIS for mailing — it is only for identification. You do not need to replace the card when you move.

However, you do need to update your address with your state's DMV if you have a driver's license, and with your employer if your work permit is tied to a specific job or location. Those are separate from USCIS and have their own processes. Changing your USCIS address only affects where USCIS sends mail about your immigration case.

Changing Your Address for Pending Applications

If you have a pending process — for example, a green card process, work visa, or asylum case — update your address as soon as possible. Changing your address does not restart your case, delay your decision, or affect your place in the queue. It straightforward tells USCIS where to send the next notice or decision letter.

If your case is scheduled for an interview, update your address at least two weeks before the interview date so USCIS has time to send you the interview notice at the correct location. If you change your address after the interview notice has already been mailed, call USCIS to confirm they have your new address and that the interview location has not changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move within the same city?

Yes. USCIS uses the exact address you provide to mail notices. If your street address, apartment number, or ZIP code changes, update it with USCIS even if you stay in the same city. A notice mailed to your old address will not reach you.

Can I change my address over the phone?

No. USCIS does not accept address changes by phone. You must use the online system or mail Form AR-11. Calling 1-800-375-5283 can help you find the correct mailing address or troubleshoot online account problems, but the representative cannot change your address for you.

How long does it take USCIS to process a mailed address change?

Mail delivery takes one to two weeks, and USCIS processing takes another one to two weeks after they receive it. Plan for two to three weeks total. Online changes take one to three business days. If you are moving soon, use the online method if you have an account.

What if I do not have an A-number?

You need an A-number to change your address by mail. If you do not have one, you likely do not have an active USCIS case yet. If you are expecting to receive one, wait until it arrives, then update your address. If you have questions about your case status, call 1-800-375-5283.

Can I change my address for someone else's case?

No. Only the person whose name is on the case can change the address, or someone with power of attorney. If you are helping a family member, they must log into their own online account or sign the paper form themselves. A representative or attorney can change the address if they have a signed power of attorney on file with USCIS.