Importance of Address Change
Many non-U.S. Citizens residing in the U.S. consider the change of address obligations imposed by the USCIS as unimportant and of no significance. This is a mistake. In a recent meeting between the National Benefits Center (NBC) and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the NBC reminded all immigration attorneys and their clients that a change of address is an important procedure and it must be done in two separate ways.
First, the foreign national must file form AR-11 with the USCIS in Washington, DC. Under the current regulations, all foreign nationals, including permanent residents), and without regard to whether they have petitions or applications pending with the USCIS must file the AR-11 form within 10 days of change of address. This is a separate requirement which is not related and does not automatically affect the USCIS address change (see below). The AR-11 form can be filed on paper or online. It is important to keep a proof of filing such change of address.
Second, if the foreign national has current pending immigration-related petitions or applications, they must notify the USCIS of their new address by calling USCIS (at 1-800-375-5283) or by using their online system. USCIS recommends these two methods as the best ways to update an address with regard to pending applications and petitions. The requested change will be processed within three days of receipt.
As a conclusion, we would like to underscore the importance of timely filing address of change with the USCIS whether or not the foreign national has pending petitions with the USCIS. Failure to do so may result in long delays in processing or even denial of immigration benefits.
