Form AR-11 – Report a Change of Address to USCIS
TITLE: Form AR-11 – Report a Change of Address to USCIS
WHAT IT IS:
Form AR-11 is the official way to tell U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that you have moved. The law requires many non‑U.S. citizens to report a new address within 10 days of moving. You can do this quickly and for free using your USCIS online account (strongly recommended) or by mailing a paper form.
WHO NEEDS IT:
You must report a change of address if you are an “alien” (a non‑U.S. citizen) in the United States, unless you are in one of these exceptions:
- A or G visa holders,
- visa waiver visitors.
If you have a pending or approved immigration benefit request (for example, a green card or work permit), you must also update your address so you do not miss important mail from USCIS.
HOW TO FILE:
There are two ways to report your move, and USCIS strongly recommends the first option.
1. Best option: Use the self‑service change of address tool in your USCIS online account.
- Log in to your USCIS online account (or create one).
- Find the change of address tool.
- Enter your new address. This meets the legal requirement, updates your address almost immediately in USCIS systems, and helps make sure future notices reach you.
2. Paper option: Mail a paper Form AR-11.
- Download and print the correct edition of Form AR-11.
- Fill it out completely and sign it.
- Mail it to the address given in the form instructions.
- *Important:* Mailing a paper form does NOT automatically update your address in USCIS case systems for pending applications, so your case might still not reflect the new address unless you also use the online tool or call USCIS.
If you are a VAWA self‑petitioner, or have T or U nonimmigrant status, or filed a Form I-751 Abuse Waiver, do not use the standard AR‑11 mailing address. Instead, follow the special instructions on the “Change of Address Procedures for VAWA/T/U Cases and Form I-751 Abuse Waivers” page on the USCIS website.
FEES:
(check the official fee schedule)
*Note: The source page tells you to look at the Fee Schedule page for the filing fee. It does not list a fee on this page. Do not submit any other forms or fees to the address you use for reporting your change of address.*
CURRENT EDITION & DEADLINES:
- The current edition date of Form AR‑11 is 11/02/22. USCIS will also accept the 08/31/21 edition.
- You can find the edition date at the bottom of the form pages. If you print and mail the form, make sure all pages are from the same edition and that the edition date and page numbers are visible.
- Deadline: You must report any change of address within 10 days of moving. This is a legal requirement (except for those who are exempt).
COMMON MISTAKES:
- Using an outdated form edition. If you mail a paper form, use only the allowed edition dates (11/02/22 or 08/31/21). Otherwise your form could be rejected.
- Forgetting to sign the form. USCIS will reject any unsigned paper form.
- Thinking a mailed paper AR‑11 automatically updates all your pending cases. It does not. To make sure your address is updated in every active case, use the self‑service tool in your USCIS online account or follow the instructions on the “How to Change Your Address” page.
WHERE TO GET THE FORM:
Always go to the official USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/ar-11 to download the form, confirm the current edition, and read the latest instructions. Never use a copy saved by another person or website.
SOURCE: https://www.uscis.gov/ar-11
DISCLAIMER: General info from USCIS, not legal advice — always verify on the official page and consult a licensed immigration attorney for your case. English is authoritative.