USCIS Change of Address: The 10-Day Rule and How to Report
In this guide
Quick answer: A USCIS change of address must be reported within 10 days of moving by every noncitizen in the United States. The easiest way is the change-of-address tool in your USCIS online account. You can also mail a paper Form AR-11. Updating your address with the US Postal Service does not update USCIS.
Moving house is a normal part of settling in, and the address change rule is easy to miss because it sits outside the lease, the bank and the utilities. USCIS uses your address to send notices and benefits, so a missed letter can turn into a missed deadline. Everything here comes from the USCIS change-of-address page.
Who has to report a change of address?
USCIS says all noncitizens in the United States must report a change of address within 10 days of moving. If you have a pending USCIS request, tell USCIS as soon as possible. The requirement does not apply to A and G visa holders or visa waiver visitors.
How do you report it?
| Method | What to know |
|---|---|
| Online (recommended) | Use the self-service change-of-address tool in your USCIS online account, under the My Account dropdown |
| By mail | File a paper Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card. USCIS says this also meets the legal requirement |
If you change your address online, you must enter the receipt number for each pending benefit request.
Is a USPS change of address enough?
No. USCIS says that updating your address with the US Postal Service does not update USCIS, and USPS will not forward USCIS mail. You need to do both.
What about special cases?
The USCIS page lists separate procedures for several groups, including sponsors who filed an affidavit of support, who must file Form I-865 within 30 days of moving, and certain VAWA, T and U filers. If one of these applies to you, follow the instructions on the USCIS page. The page does not mention a penalty for failing to report, so we do not state one.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a USPS forwarding request covers USCIS.
- Waiting for a letter to arrive before reporting the move.
- Forgetting the receipt number for a pending application.
- Updating one family member and not the others.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to report if I move within the same city?
The page says to report a change of address after moving, with no exception for short moves.
Can I report the move by phone?
The USCIS page names the online account and Form AR-11 by mail. It does not describe a phone option.
Key takeaways
- Report within 10 days of moving.
- Use your USCIS online account if you can, or mail Form AR-11.
- Update USPS separately; it does not tell USCIS.
Related guides
- Your first 90 days in a new country
- Renting in the US as a new immigrant
- SSN vs ITIN
- Moving abroad checklist
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Last updated: October 2026.
Sources
US Citizenship and Immigration Services: change of address page.