Forgot to submit AR-11 Change of Address

[samjones111 0]

Hey everyone,

I became a conditional permanent resident in Dec 2010, through my spouse who is a US citizen. In Jul 2010 we moved the east coast to the west coast. We are now due to apply to have the conditions removed from my resident card.

In going though the forms, and seeing what I need to do, I stumbled across the form AR-11, Change of Address. I now understand that we should have submitted this form 10 days after moving, instead of 14 months. I didn't 'forget' as such, I simply just didn't realize that this form existed or that it must be done. Obviously, this is my own fault, as I'm sure USCIS states in numerous places that this must, in fact, be done.

So now I'm starting to worry. It says on the USCIS site that failure to complete this may result in fine/jail/removal. I'm assuming that this is something that is only implemented if, say, the resident outstays their welcome or commits a federal crime... and the government can't find them because they never completed the form.

If anyone could offer any advice I'd definitely appreciate it! I'd also appreciate it if fearmongers who don't have any knowledge or experience with this could reframe from posting "you're screwed" and the like. I just want to know from people who are knowledgeable in this, for one reason or another.

Also, in case it matters, the address that we moved from is my spouse's parents home. We get all the mail sent on to us from them.

Thanks!

Sam

Edited September 18, 2012 by samjones111

[Dave + Loni 10]

I would file the change as soon as you can, like now. If they don't say anything you should be ok.

[Hypnos 6,576]

Your issue will be submitting a change of address form now but then using evidence with your new address on it from before this period as evidence in your application to remove conditions.

Someone at USCIS might spot that you submitted a change of address form late but are using evidence with a new address on it (utility bills, insurance forms, etc.) and that is what could cause you problems.

Not filing a change of address with USCIS is a misdemeanor crime. I say this not to worry you but to stress the gravity of the situation.

If you were not removing conditions I would say just change the address now and move on. Since you have to file to remove conditions though, that complicates matters because USCIS are specifically going to want to see documents with your address on them.

Edited September 18, 2012 by Hypnos

[Anh map 2,098]

Submit the AR-11(you) and the I-865 (for your USC spouse/sponsor). Use the current address when submitting all forms. Should not be a problem.

We failed to submit for a long time after a move as well. There were no issues.

[samjones111 0]

Thanks for everyone's replies. I did what you all suggested, and submitted the AR-11 and I-865 immediately. I think it's better to be late rather than if I thought 'oh well, too late now' and for it to some day catch up with me. After all, if you admit something, it's a hundred times better than being caught out.

Thanks again everyone.

Sam.

[ninajepp 0]

Can you give us an update on your filing? I am due to file in the next month and just realized that USCIS has my wrong address. When we moved a couple of months ago, I submitted the AR11 online and even got a message saying my legal obligation had been fulfilled. I failed to print a copy of the form/confirmation however and now I am seeing they still have the wrong address. I submitted a new AR 11 online yesterday and this time kept a copy of the confirmation page & form but I'm still concerned about the fact that it's two months later and I have to submit the removal of conditions very soon. Hoping you see this. Thanks!

[TBoneTX 43,004]

The OP hasn't logged onto VisaJourney for 13 months. As long as you filed in timely fashion, you should be OK. If you want, when you compile your ROC package, include a copy of the recent AR-11 confirmation, marked "COPY" in big letters (so that they don't think that it's an original submission). Although you failed to print confirmation of the preceding AR-11, it's on record.