AR-11: how to update your USCIS address in 10 days | Law Office of Jesus Reyes, PLLC

Federal law requires every non-citizen over the age of 14 who moves within the United States to update their address with USCIS within 10 days. This is called Change of Address — Form AR-11. It is not optional, and failing to do it can ruin your case, lose critical notices, or create serious immigration consequences. This guide explains how to do it correctly.

Who must file AR-11

Any non-citizen over 14, including:

Permanent residents (green card holders).
TPS holders.
DACA recipients.
People with pending I-130, I-485, N-400, I-589, or other applications.
F-1 students.
H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc. workers.
Granted asylees.
People in removal/immigration court proceedings.

U.S. citizens do not need to file AR-11, but if they have pending cases for relatives they should update those cases separately.

The deadline: 10 days

You have 10 days from the date you move to update the address. It is strict. If you find out late, file anyway as soon as possible — better late than never.

How to file AR-11 (the easy way)

Option 1: Online (recommended).

Go to uscis.gov.
Create or sign in to your myUSCIS account.
Go to "Tools" → "Change of Address".
Fill out the data: prior address, new address, receipt numbers of all pending cases.
Submit.

This updates:

Your general USCIS address.
All pending cases you list.

Option 2: By mail (paper AR-11).

Download AR-11 from uscis.gov.
Fill it out and sign it.
Send to the address the form lists.

Slower and does not automatically include pending cases — you would need to update each one separately.

Also update each pending case

Important: the general AR-11 address change does not guarantee each pending case gets the update. To be sure, update each case:

In myUSCIS, link your receipt numbers and update them.
Or call 1-800-375-5283 and report each case.

If your case is at a specific office (USCIS field office, asylum office, etc.), also notify that office.

If you are in immigration court

If you are in proceedings before an immigration judge, you must also file:

Form EOIR-33/IC — Change of Address or Telephone Number before EOIR.
Send it to the court where your case is pending and to the DHS attorney assigned.

Deadline: 5 days with the court (stricter than USCIS).

Failing to update the court is one of the most common causes of in absentia removal orders. If you miss a hearing because you did not get notice, the judge can order your removal in your absence.

If you have a green card

Permanent residents must:

File AR-11 within 10 days.
Apply for a new green card with the new address (not required but useful): I-90 — Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
Update Selective Service if 18-25 years old.

What happens if you don't file AR-11

Consequences include:

Loss of critical notices (RFEs, biometrics appointments, interviews, hearings).
Case denials for not responding on time.
In absentia removal orders if you miss a hearing.
Federal misdemeanor: fine up to $200 and jail up to 30 days (rarely enforced but exists).
Damage to "good moral character" history for future citizenship.

Keep your address consistent

Some tips:

Use a stable address: if you move often, consider a trusted family member's address or a post office box.
Do not use "help" addresses that change hands — letters get lost.
Verify with the mail carrier that your name is on the mailbox (without it, USPS may return letters).
Check mail daily or ask someone trusted to do so.

If you missed a critical USCIS letter

If you find out USCIS sent something and it never arrived:

Update your address immediately (AR-11).
Call USCIS and ask them to resend.
If you missed an RFE response, your attorney can request reopening for "good cause".
If you missed a hearing, you can file a motion to reopen explaining the lack of notice.

SAVE cases

If you use state or federal benefits, those benefits verify status through SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements). Updating your USCIS address also helps SAVE hold correct data.

For families

Every family member over 14 must file their own AR-11. You cannot file one for the whole family. Do it the same day online for everyone.

If your address changes several times

Each time you move, file AR-11 within 10 days. Don't wait to have a "final" address.

Next steps

If you just moved or are about to move, update your address with USCIS today. If you have complicated pending cases (immigration court, asylum, multiple petitions), schedule a consultation to make sure every notice is handled correctly.

You can also read:

Legal disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every immigration case is unique and depends on specific facts that only an attorney can evaluate after reviewing your situation. The law and USCIS policy change frequently. To get guidance on your particular case, schedule a consultation with our firm.

How to update your address with USCIS: Form AR-11 step by step