Before Getting Started
The law requires a non-citizen to submit an address change request within 10 days of moving to a new address. In the case of a family, this requirement applies to each family member individually. A dependent spouse must change their address separately from the principal/lead spouse, and children must change their address separately from their parent(s).
Additionally, changing your address with UCIS does not automatically change your address with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). We recommend that you separately change your address with the USPS so that the USPS can forward your mail to your new address. Changing your address with USCIS and the USPS will ensure that you have taken all possible steps to have your mail properly delivered. As with USCIS, each family member will need to complete their own separate address change request with the USPS to ensure each family members’ name is identified by the USPS for mail forwarding. See here for additional information. Please note that address changes for children need to be done in person at a USPS post office.
Step 1: Create an account
If you do not have a USCIS online account, you must create one. The email address you use to create an account must match what is listed on your application. Visit How to Create a USCIS Online Account page for information on how to create a new USCIS online account. If you already have an existing USCIS online account, please proceed to Step 2.
Note: We recommend using a personal email address for your USCIS online account rather than an employer or school-related email address so you can continue to access your USCIS online account in the event you are no longer associated with these entities.
Additionally, in the case of a family, each family member needs to maintain their own individual USCIS online account. Spouses cannot share a USCIS online account, and children cannot share a USCIS online account with their parent(s).
Step 2: Go to USCIS.gov and log in
It will prompt you to use two-factor authentication, meaning you will have to enter your password and then an alpha- numeric code that is sent to your email address or mobile number on file with USCIS.gov.
Step 3: Go to the My Account drop-down menu
Then select the “Change Your Address” option. You will be taken to the Change of Address homepage with detailed instructions about who qualifies to change their address online, what happens after an address change request is submitted, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Privacy Act information. A full copy of these instructions are attached to this guide for your reference.
Step 4: Change your address
Select the “Change My Address” option at the end of the instructions.
Step 5: Complete the change of address online form
There are a total of four steps to complete during this process. Do not close your browser window while completing this online form. Your progress will not be saved.
Note: Before completing the online form, we recommend having your I-797 Receipt Notices for all open, active applications and/or petitions ready for you to reference. Important information, namely your Alien Registration Number and Receipt Numbers, can be found on these notices which you will need to enter into your address change online form.
1. Enter your current legal name and date of birth
2. Enter your new physical address
Select “Yes” if your physical address is the same as your preferred mailing address. Select “No” if you wish to enter a different mailing address.
USCIS will automatically verify your new physical or mailing address with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
We recommend selecting the USPS “Recommended address” if it accurately reflects your new address. If the USPS address does not accurately reflect your new address, then proceed with the “Original address” that you entered.
Note: If you have not moved but still need to change your mailing address with USCIS due to problems with mail delivery, you can change just your mailing address using this same online form. You will enter your existing physical address into the “new physical address” section, but then select “No” to the mailing address question and then enter your new mailing address. Your mail will then be sent to your new mailing address.
3. Enter you A-Number (Alien Registration Number) and the receipt number from every active, pending application or petition
Your A-Number can usually be found on your I-797 Receipt Notice, Green Card, or Employment Authorization Document. Please ask your attorney if you cannot locate your A-Number. Likewise, your receipt numbers can be found on your I-797 Receipt Notice(s). Do not enter receipt numbers for applications/petitions where USCIS has already issued a decision. Do not enter receipt numbers for cases filed on your behalf by a relative or employer.
Notes:
If you do not have an A-Number, check the box marked “I do not have or know my A-Number”
If (1) you do not have a pending case; (2) a case you filed is already completed; or (3) there is a pending case for you, but it was filed by your employer or relative on your behalf, check the box marked “I do not have a receipt number”
When adding receipt numbers, there is a function to add multiple receipt numbers. For an Adjustment of Status application where you filed multiple applications (I-485, I-765, I-131, and/or I-824), you need to add the receipt number for each application. This includes any applications or petitions you filed on your own without the assistance of Ellis Porter.
4. Review and submit
Review all the information you have entered into the online form. If you need to make any changes, go back and make the corrections. If you are ready to Submit, check the box for certifying the accuracy of the information, and click “Submit.”
Note: If you would like to save a copy of your submission for your personal records, we recommend printing your online form to PDF before clicking “Submit.”
Step 6: Check the status of your submission
You can check the status of your submission by going to the “My Account” drop-down menu, selecting “Change Your Address” and navigating to the “View my submissions” feature.
Note: These are the common submission statuses you will see within 24-48 hours:
A green checkmark will appear and the status “Request changed” when the address change request is processed for each individual application/petition that is pending with USCIS.
The status “Submitted” is the only possible status available for address change requests where there is no pending application/petition associated with the address change request. This is not an issue.
However, if you see a red checkmark next to your request, you may need to file a hardcopy AR-11 form to comply with the USCIS address change requirements. For the time being, you can find a PDF copy of the AR-11 form here. We have also attached a copy to this guide for ease of reference.
As of January 24, 2025, the filing address for the hardcopy AR-11 form is:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Attn: Change of Address
1344 Pleasants Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Note for applicants with pending I-589 asylum applications: Send completed, signed AR-11 forms to USCIS asylum office listed on your respective receipt notices.