Address Change

[Ladylethal 12]

I just got here on a K1 and my fiance moved to a new apartment AFTER our interview in Brasil. Immigration at the POE asked my new address but they didn't write it down. Do I have to contact USCIS prior to filing the AOS? Or should I just go ahead and wait until we file it to put down the new address?

[J&C 0]

I need to know this too. We are about to move. Someone?

[Ladylethal 12]

Does anyone know the answer?

[Miranda&James 8]

Yes, within 10 days of any move you need to let them know you are moving. Look on their site, there are instructions on how to do it (I forgot and don't want to mess you up) but from what I remember we just mailed in AR-11 and I also called the 1800 number to let them know (but she just told me that since I didn't have a pending application since we hadn't filed AOS yet I didn't have to call, but I wanted to be safe). After AOS an I865 is required but since you haven't filed yet you don't need it. Get the info from uscis.gov though to double check!

[Peter Miami 0]

Give USCIS a call but the only thing I believe that you have to do is write your new address in the AOS package.

Good luck,

Peter Miami

[khan 0]

On our K1 I wrote my parents adsress since I was living with them, but then I moved to my own apartment and for AOS I used the new address.

[Peter Miami 0]

Give USCIS a call but the only thing I believe that you have to do is write your new address in the AOS package.

Good luck,

Peter Miami

I stand corrected I just checked my paper work and I filed a “I-865, Sponsor’s Notice of Change of Address” for my I-864 and a “AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card” for my wife. I also call the USCIS and let them know of my change of address. Then I filed the AOS package with the new address.

Peter Miami

Edited October 20, 2006 by Peter Miami

[Ladylethal 12]

So you sent those forms before applying for AOS?

[Miranda&James 8]

So you sent those forms before applying for AOS?

I sent mine before AOS. It was my understanding that the I865 is only required once you've filed AOS with an I864, before that only AR-11 is necessary.

[Ladylethal 12]

I'll get around to doing that then, will have to print the form at my in-laws 'cus we don't have a printer yet.

[Peter Miami 0]

So you sent those forms before applying for AOS?

Yes and I also sent a copy of each with the AOS package.

Peter Miami

So you sent those forms before applying for AOS?

I sent mine before AOS. It was my understanding that the I865 is only required once you've filed AOS with an I864, before that only AR-11 is necessary.

I just wanted to be extra safe becuase you know how this process can be.

Peter Miami

[rebeccajo 14]

Keep this up a bit longer. I don't think there is anything you need do till you file AOS. But let's see if somebody else verifies.

[Peter Miami 0]

Keep this up a bit longer. I don't think there is anything you need do till you file AOS. But let's see if somebody else verifies.

I call the misinformation line and they told me to send the AR-11, I-865 and to call them back to verify once I had submitted the forms and that they had received them.

Peter Miami

[rebeccajo 14]

Keep this up a bit longer. I don't think there is anything you need do till you file AOS. But let's see if somebody else verifies.

I call the misinformation line and they told me to send the AR-11, I-865 and to call them back to verify once I had submitted the forms and that they had received them.

Peter Miami

I understand Peter. But in the time between the K-1 and filing AOS, there is really nothing to change. And the 'misinformation line' isn't called that for no reason.

I'm not going to sit here and tell you with 100% certainty that you are incorrect. BUT I think that by sending these forms prior to AOS - well you are just muddying the water so to speak.

Can we wait till somebody else comes along and helps us solve this?

[Miranda&James 8]

From the horses mouth....

Looks to me since the only exceptions don't say anything about K1 type that is a definite yes that it has to be reported, even before AOS, since K1's do qualify as an alien in the USA I assume (seems obvious but I wouldn't be suprised if I get correct by Yodrak! )

Background

All non-U.S. citizens (aliens) who are required to be registered are also required to keep the USCIS informed of their current address. This is particularly important when you have filed an application or petition for a benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act and expect notification of a decision on that application. In addition, the USCIS may need to contact you to provide other issued documents or return original copies of evidence you submitted. It is also mandatory for any alien who has been designated as a “special registrant” under 8 CFR § 264.1(f)(as amended by 67 Federal Register 52585 (August 12, 2002) to inform the USCIS whenever he or she has a change of address, employment or school. The special registrant rule is effective as of September 11, 2002.

In the past, our predecessor, the INS, required every alien in the United States to report his or her address annually, in January. This requirement was eliminated in 1980 and annual reporting is no longer required. However, if you are not a U.S. citizen, the law still requires that you report any change of address change within 10 days of the change.

Where Can I Find The Law?

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is a law that governs immigration in the United States. For the part of the law concerning reporting of your address and for the penalties if you do not comply, please see INA § 265 and 266. The specific requirements for reporting your change of address are federal regulations found in 8 CFR Part 265 and at 67 Federal Register 52584, 52592 (to be codified at 8 CFR § 264.1(f)(6)(concerning designated special registrants)).

Who Must Comply?

All aliens in the United States who are required to be registered under the law (INA § 262 and 261) must keep the USCIS informed of their changes of address. The only aliens exempt from this requirement are diplomats (visa status A), official government representatives to an international organization (visa status G), and certain nonimmigrants who do not possess a visa and who are in the U.S. for fewer than 30 days (INA § 263).

How Do I Report?

All aliens changing their address must file Form AR-11 with the USCIS address listed on the form. That address is:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

USCIS

Change of Address

P.O. Box 7134

London, KY 40742-7134

For commercial overnight or fast freight services, only:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

USCIS

Change of Address

1084-I South Laurel Road

London, KY 40744

USCIS has created an additional procedure and recommends additional notifications for those aliens who are also applicants for benefits. Applicants and Petitioners with pending cases should telephone customer service at 1-800-375-5283 to report their change of address and get the address on the pending application/petition changed. If you are not a U.S. Citizen you will also be required to complete a Form AR-11. If you are not a U.S. citizen and you have a case pending with USCIS you need to do both - call customer service and complete the Form AR-11. The AR-11 is used by non-U.S. citizens to meet the legal requirements of informing USCIS of any change of address. Presently, completing an AR-11 does not update your address on any pending case. Also, while calling customer service updates the address on your pending case, it does not meet the legal requirement of completing an AR-11. Please see Change of Address (found under Contacting Us) on your local office About Us page.

You may choose the method of mailing your Form AR-11. Using certified, registered or receipt mail is not currently a USCIS requirement. However, it is advisable to send the AR-11 with a Return Receipt or some other method (see "Adding Extra Services") that will give you documentation that you did indeed mail the form to the USCIS, in case there should ever be a question.

What Should I Include?

For the Form AR-11: Complete the information requested on the form, including present address, last address (most recent only), alien or registration number, country of citizenship, date of birth, and your signature.

You do not need to include temporary addresses as long as you maintain your present address as your permanent residence and continue to receive mail there.

When sending us a change of address, you do not need to include numerous last addresses; only the most recent last address is needed.

Be sure to also indicate in the appropriate block on the AR-11 your current employment and school, where applicable.

Additional Information

The address reporting requirement should not be confused with renewal or replacement of lawful permanent resident cards (Form I-551) or replacement of other evidence of alien registration, such as the Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record; I-186, Nonresident Mexican Border Crossing Card; I-688, Temporary Resident Card; or, I-766, Employment Authorization Document.

Penalties for Failure to Comply

A willful failure to give written notice to the USCIS of a change of address within 10 days of the change is a misdemeanor crime. If convicted, the alien (or parent or legal guardian of an alien under age 14 who is required to give notice) can be fined up to $200 or imprisoned up to 30 days, or both. The alien may also be subject to removal from the United States. (INA § 266(B)). Compliance with the requirement to notify the USCIS of any address changes is also a condition of an alien’s stay in the United States. Failure to comply could also jeopardize the alien’s ability to obtain a future visa or other immigration benefit.