Changing address before the arrival of GC

[XPRSURSLF 0]

Dear forum members,

Just landed in US less than a week ago. Unfortunately, the relative's address that we provided at the port of arrival is no longer valid. Basically, the relatives are moving out of their house and it is no longer possible to receive any mail after the end of this month.

We are stuck because had we known this in advance we would have never given this mailing address. Question is, does anybody know which form or letter to fill in order to change our mailing address before the GC arrives. We were told that we have 3-6 months before we receive it in mail. I want to change my address before that. Also, if we change our mailing address via USPS, will the GC be forwarded to our new address. I read somewhere that mail from USCIS or immigration doesn't get forwarded (not sure about this).

Either way can you please advise a link or website which has the required form where I can update my address

thanks

[Dave&Roza 748]

Dear forum members,

Just landed in US less than a week ago. Unfortunately, the relative's address that we provided at the port of arrival is no longer valid. Basically, the relatives are moving out of their house and it is no longer possible to receive any mail after the end of this month.

We are stuck because had we known this in advance we would have never given this mailing address. Question is, does anybody know which form or letter to fill in order to change our mailing address before the GC arrives. We were told that we have 3-6 months before we receive it in mail. I want to change my address before that. Also, if we change our mailing address via USPS, will the GC be forwarded to our new address. I read somewhere that mail from USCIS or immigration doesn't get forwarded (not sure about this).

Either way can you please advise a link or website which has the required form where I can update my address

thanks

First goto the USCIS website and file the AR-11Chage of Address form. Since you have a pending application please pay special note to that in the instructions. I would also have a vacation hold placed on the old address to have all mail with your name held and you go back and pick it up and keep the hold active for 30 days. USPS will not forward anything from USCIS so that is not an option. Hopefully after the vacation hold expires, USCIS will have your new address and the GC will be mailed there. Typically the GC for an IR-1/CR-1 arrives within a few weeks after POE in the US--that is why I recommend the vacation hold just in case it is mailed before the COA takes affect, but after your relatives move--not sure where you are getting the 3-6 months unless you are thinking about AOS for the K-1 visa.

Good luck,

Dave

Edited June 17, 2012 by Dave&Roza

[XPRSURSLF 0]

First goto the USCIS website and file the AR-11Chage of Address form. Since you have a pending application please pay special note to that in the instructions. I would also have a vacation hold placed on the old address to have all mail with your name held and you go back and pick it up and keep the hold active for 30 days. USPS will not forward anything from USCIS so that is not an option. Hopefully after the vacation hold expires, USCIS will have your new address and the GC will be mailed there. Typically the GC for an IR-1/CR-1 arrives within a few weeks after POE in the US--that is why I recommend the vacation hold just in case it is mailed before the COA takes affect, but after your relatives move--not sure where you are getting the 3-6 months unless you are thinking about AOS for the K-1 visa.

Good luck,

Dave

Thats some smart advice Dave. I will place a vacation hold immediately. Is it valid for 30 days only? Do I have to pick up my mail after 30 days or earlier. Also, what happens after 30 days, I apply for change of address right?

I just checked this forum and I read that people received their green card in 3 to 6 months after landing...not sure if that is an average or what... I asked the border agent and he didn't give me a time frame. Just said depends how busy they are down there..

Edited June 18, 2012 by XPRSURSLF