How to Report a Change of Address to USCIS – A Guide

If you’re a green card holder, temporary visa holder, or a U.S. citizen who sponsored an immigrant, you are required—or strongly encouraged—to inform U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when you move. Failing to update your address can result in missed documents, delayed applications, fines, or even deportation.

This guide explains who must report address changes, how to do it, and what forms to use.

Who Needs to Report an Address Change?

Category	Required to Notify USCIS	Deadline
Green Card Holders	Yes	Within 10 days
Temporary Visa Holders	Yes	Within 10 days
U.S. Citizen Sponsors (Form I-864)	Strongly Recommended	Within 30 days
A/G Visa Holders, Short-Term Visitors	No	Not Required

Note: Tourists on visa waivers for under 30 days, diplomats (A visas), and representatives of international organizations (G visas) are exempt.

How to Update Your Address with USCIS?

For Green Card Holders and Visa Holders (Non-Citizens)

Option 1: Online (Recommended)

• Use the Enterprise Change of Address Tool (E-COA) through your USCIS online account.

Option 2: By Mail

• Complete and mail Form AR-11 (Alien’s Change of Address Card).
• Print clearly in black ink and sign the form.
• Download Form AR-11

Important Notes

• If you use the E-COA tool, you do not need to mail Form AR-11.
• If you have pending immigration applications (like Form I-130 or I-485), update your address for each one.
• If you are mailing Form AR-11, use certified mail and keep a copy for your records.
• Each family member must file a separate change of address notice.

Special Cases That Require Mailing AR-11

• Victims of domestic violence, trafficking, or serious crimes
• Civil surgeons
• Attorneys of record
  (See the USCIS site for a full list of exceptions.)

For U.S. Citizens Who Sponsored an Immigrant (Form I-864)

Option 1: Online

• Use the E-COA Tool to submit your update.

Option 2: By Phone

• Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283.

Option 3: By Mail

• Submit Form I-865 (Sponsor’s Notice of Change of Address).
• Download Form I-865

Note: Each sponsor must submit their own I-865, even if they live at the same address. While not always legally enforced, failing to update your address can cause delays in your sponsored immigrant’s process.

Check Also: USCIS Form I-131F – Detailed Guide

What You’ll Need:

Before filling out your address change, prepare the following:

• Your new and old address
• Receipt number(s) for pending applications (found on your USCIS notice)
• Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number), if applicable
• Full legal names and biographical details for each household member updating their address

Why Updating Your Address Matters:

Failing to notify USCIS of an address change can lead to:

• Missed immigration appointments or deadlines
• Delay in processing your immigration benefits
• Legal penalties, including misdemeanor charges
• In rare cases, removal (deportation) proceedings

Summary Checklist:

Task	Required?	Method
Green Card Holder address update	Yes	E-COA or Form AR-11
Temporary visa holder update	Yes	E-COA or Form AR-11
U.S. sponsor update (Form I-864)	Yes	E-COA, Form I-865, or phone
Separate update for each family member	Yes	One per person
Save confirmation or receipt	Yes	Digital copy or certified mail

Final Reminders:

• Address changes must be reported within 10 days (or 30 days for U.S. sponsors).
• Keep a record of your submission.
• Don’t assume updating one application covers all others — update for each pending case.

For more information, visit the official USCIS website: uscis.gov

Frequently Asked Questions: