How to Change Your Address with USCIS | AR-11 and myUSCIS
All non-citizens must notify USCIS of an address change within 10 days of moving using Form AR-11 or the online change-of-address portal.
In a nutshell
If you are a non-citizen in the US (on H1B, H4, F1, green card, or any other status), you are legally required to notify USCIS of any address change within 10 days of moving. The form is AR-11 (Alien's Change of Address Card). You can do it online for free at uscis.gov/ar-11 — no fee, no attorney needed. Failure to report an address change can result in fines.
Who must file AR-11?
Required for nearly all non-citizens
- Almost all non-citizens in the US — including H1B workers, H4 dependents, F1 students, I-485 applicants, green card holders, and others — are required by law (8 U.S.C. § 1305) to file AR-11 within 10 days of any address change. US citizens are exempt.
How to change your address online (fastest)
- title: Filing AR-11 online
- Go to uscis.gov/ar-11 (USCIS Change of Address portal)
- Have your A-Number (if you have one), current address, and new address ready
- Fill in the form — no fee required
- Submit — you will receive a confirmation on screen and by email
- The change is applied to all your pending USCIS cases
How to change your address in myUSCIS
If you have a myUSCIS account, you can also update your address there:
- Log in at my.uscis.gov
- Go to your profile settings
- Update your address
Update address with your employer's attorney too
- USCIS notices, RFEs, and interview letters are mailed to the address on file. If your attorney filed on paper, they should also update USCIS directly — the online AR-11 updates USCIS's main system, but the attorney's petition address may also need correction via a written notice to the relevant service center.
What happens if you miss the 10-day deadline?
Missing the AR-11 deadline can result in:
- A civil fine of up to $200
- In serious cases, cited as evidence of immigration violation
- Most importantly: critical USCIS notices going to your old address — including RFEs with 87-day deadlines, biometrics notices, and green card/EAD delivery
Address for pending I-485 is especially critical
- If you have a pending I-485 (adjustment of status), USCIS sends the interview notice, any RFE, and the approval/denial to the address on file. A missed RFE because notices went to an old address can result in an automatic denial. Update your address immediately when you move.
Special cases for pending cases
- H1B (I-129): Your employer's attorney needs to notify USCIS of your change of address in writing, in addition to your own AR-11.
- I-485: File AR-11 AND ask your attorney to notify USCIS directly. Some field offices also require written notification in the case file.
- N-400: Update your address in both AR-11 and your myUSCIS account where you filed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to file AR-11 every time I move, even temporarily?
Yes, if the move constitutes a "change of address." Temporary stays under 30 days at a hotel while keeping your primary address are generally not moves for AR-11 purposes, but any permanent or semi-permanent new address requires AR-11.
I filed AR-11. How long until USCIS updates my records?
Online filings are typically processed within a few days. For pending cases, allow 1–2 weeks for the address to update across all your case files. Verify by calling USCIS if a critical notice is expected.
Does filing AR-11 update my address on a pending I-130 or I-485?
It should. The online AR-11 updates USCIS's central records, which links to pending cases. However, for extra protection on pending I-485 or I-130, ask your attorney to file a written change of address notice directly with the service center handling your case.
Back to myUSCIS account guide
Learn everything about myUSCIS including notices, access codes, and privacy.
Not sure what a USCIS notice means?
Use the USCIS Notice Decoder — select your notice type and form for plain-English guidance.
Try the Notice Decoder →