Key Takeaways

• Green card holders must file AR-11 or update online with USCIS within 10 days of moving.
• Each family member files separately; failing to report may result in fines, jail, or even removal.
• Only U.S. citizens, A/G visa holders, and visa waiver visitors are exempt from this reporting requirement.

This FAQ is designed to provide green card holders (lawful permanent residents) with clear, simple answers about the legal obligation to report a change of address to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It covers who must file, how to file using AR-11, the consequences for failing to report, important exceptions, and tips for keeping your immigration status secure. Whether you recently moved or just want to stay prepared, this detailed guide explains what you need to know about address reporting requirements.

Most Popular Questions

1. Do green card holders have to report a change of address to USCIS?
2. What is the AR-11 form and when must I use it?
3. How do I update my address if I have an online USCIS account?
4. Are there penalties for not reporting a new address?
5. Is anyone exempt from this rule?
6. How do multiple family members update their addresses?
7. Does updating my address for one application fix it for all my USCIS cases?
8. What is the deadline for reporting a new address?
9. Where can I get more information or help?

1. Do green card holders have to report a change of address to USCIS?

Yes. If you are a green card holder (a lawful permanent resident), you must tell USCIS when you move. The law says you must do this within 10 days after you change where you live. This is true if you have a ten-year green card or a two-year conditional green card.

The rules are clear:
– Every green card holder in the United States 🇺🇸 must report moves to USCIS.
– It does not matter why you move—if your main home changes, you report it.

This rule helps USCIS keep track of your current address. It also makes sure you get important mail, like requests for more documents or green card renewal notices.

2. What is the AR-11 form and when must I use it?

The AR-11, called “Alien’s Change of Address Card,” is the official form USCIS uses for reporting changes of address. All green card holders must use this form unless they update through their online USCIS account.

You must file AR-11:
– Every time you move to a new address in the United States 🇺🇸,
– Within 10 days of moving.

There are two ways to file the AR-11:
– Online: This is the fastest and best way.
– By mail: For those who cannot use the online system.

Tip: Even if you move nearby, you must still report the new address.

3. How do I update my address if I have an online USCIS account?

The online method is the simplest and fastest.
– If you have a USCIS account, log in.
– Use the Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) self-service tool.
– Follow the steps to update your address.

Benefits of online filing:
– Your new address is updated in USCIS systems almost right away.
– This helps keep all pending or active applications up to date.
– You meet the legal requirement to report your move.

Important: Printing a confirmation page from the USCIS website is smart for your records.

More details are available on the USCIS Change of Address page.

4. How do I update my address if I cannot use the online system?

If you cannot update your address online, you can use the paper AR-11 form.

Steps:
1. Download AR-11 here.
2. Fill it out carefully. Use your full name as in your official documents.
3. Mail the completed form to the address listed on the AR-11 instructions.

Warning: The paper AR-11 may not update all your pending cases automatically. You may need to contact USCIS for each application that is still open, such as I-130 or I-485, to let them know about your new address.

5. What happens if I forget to report my new address?

Not telling USCIS your new address can lead to serious problems:

• Fines: You could have to pay a fine if you break the rule.
• Jail time: Some people may even face up to 30 days in jail.
• Deportation: In rare cases where someone ignores this rule again and again, direct removal from the United States 🇺🇸 can happen.
• Excuse available: The law says you may avoid penalties if you can show you honestly forgot or had a good reason, and you did not mean to disobey the law.

Note: Not reporting is a federal offense for green card holders. Always take this rule seriously.

6. Who does not have to file AR-11?

Some people do not have to file AR-11 when they move:

• U.S. citizens
• A and G visa holders (like some diplomats or international organization workers)
• Visitors who came under the Visa Waiver Program (sometimes called ESTA or short-term tourists)

If you are a green card holder, you must file. There is no exception for permanent residents.

7. Do children and dependents need their own AR-11 form?

Yes. Each family member who is not a U.S. citizen but lives in the United States 🇺🇸 with an immigrant or non-immigrant status must file their own.
– Children need their own reports.
– You cannot put the whole family on one form.

Example: If a family of four with green cards moves, each person must file AR-11, including minor children.

8. If I have pending immigration applications, do I need to update my address for each one?

If you use the online USCIS system and update your address, it usually changes for all your current or pending applications.
If you submit a paper AR-11, you may still need to update your address for each open case separately. This is why online updating is better and faster.

Examples of pending applications:
– I-130 (petition for family)
– I-485 (adjustment of status)
– I-751 (removal of conditions)
– N-400 (application for citizenship)

Make sure each case has your most up-to-date address so you do not miss important mail.

9. What is the deadline for reporting my address change?

You have exactly 10 days from moving to your new address to report the change to USCIS.

• Example: If you move on March 1, you must report your new address by March 11.

If you wait more than 10 days, you are breaking the law.

10. Why is reporting an address change so important for green card holders?

• It keeps you in good standing with the law.
• It helps you get mail from USCIS on time.
• It protects you from missing interview notices, approvals, or requests for more documents.
• Your future immigration filings (such as naturalization) may look at your compliance record.

11. Does the rule apply to conditional green card holders?

Yes. It does not matter if your green card is permanent (10 years) or conditional (2 years).
– Both groups must follow the address change rule.

12. Can I use a friend’s or lawyer’s address as my “home address”?

No. You must use the address where you actually live. Only use another address if you have legal authority, such as court-ordered custody or guardianship.

13. I only moved for a short time (like a vacation or job assignment). Do I still need to report my new address?

If the move is not permanent—for example, a short business trip or holiday—you do not need to file AR-11.
But if you change your main home to the new address, file without delay.

14. What documents do I need when reporting my address change?

You should have these handy:
– Your green card number (also called A-number)
– Old and new addresses
– Full names (for each family member reporting)
– Details about any cases pending with USCIS

15. Where can I get the official AR-11 form?

You can download the form and see instructions for filing it directly from the USCIS website.

Always use the most recent version to make sure everything is correct and accepted.

16. How can green card holders prove they updated their address?

• After you submit an address change online, save and print the confirmation.
• If you filed by mail, keep a copy of the AR-11 and any receipts or tracking numbers.

These records can help prove you followed the law if you need to show this in the future.

17. If I become a U.S. citizen, do I still need to file AR-11 after moving?

No. Once you are a citizen, you do not need to file AR-11 anymore.

18. Can I report a future planned move, or only after I already moved?

You need to report your address after you have actually moved.
If you try to file before your move, USCIS may not process it correctly. Always wait until your move happens.

19. Does filing AR-11 update my address with all U.S. government agencies?

No, AR-11 only goes to USCIS.
– You must update your address separately with the U.S. Postal Service, Social Security Administration, the Department of Motor Vehicles, banks, and other agencies as needed.

20. I’ve moved several times. Should I still report each previous address if I did not do so earlier?

You should file AR-11 as soon as you realize you missed a move. Even if late, reporting now is better than not reporting at all.
Let USCIS know as soon as possible about any moves you forgot to report.

21. Could changing my address cause problems with my green card status?

No, simply reporting a new address will not hurt your green card status—as long as you avoid giving false information or missing the 10-day deadline.

22. Do international students, tourists, or temporary visitors need to file AR-11?

Only if they stay in the United States 🇺🇸 longer-term.
– Those on A or G visas and most short-term visa waiver travelers do not need to file.
– All others must check their own visa status and follow the rule if required.

23. What if I make a mistake on my AR-11?

If you made a mistake, file again with the correct information as soon as possible. If your address is wrong in the USCIS system, mail or notices may not reach you.

24. Why does USCIS need to have my up-to-date address?

USCIS needs your address to:
– Send you important notices about your immigration status,
– Contact you for interviews or documents,
– Prove you are living in the right place for your status,
– Fulfill federal recordkeeping.

25. Can my attorney or representative update my address for me?

If you have an attorney, you can have them help with the online system or paperwork, but you must still make sure your own AR-11 report is filed. Always double-check with your lawyer to confirm it has been done.

Important Reminders

• Green card holders must report their new address within 10 days of any move.
• Each family member files AR-11 separately.
• Filing online is fastest—paper forms may not update all cases automatically.
• Not reporting can lead to fines, jail, or even removal from the United States 🇺🇸.
• Only a handful of people are exempt (U.S. citizens, A/G visa holders, Visa Waiver Program visitors).
• Keep proof of every address change you report.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that some green card holders miss this requirement simply because they do not know about the rule or believe that it does not apply to them. This is a myth—every lawful permanent resident must follow the address reporting law for as long as they hold their green card.

If you have questions or need help, visit the official USCIS address change resource page to get up-to-date instructions or to start your update today.

Following these easy steps keeps your green card status safe and ensures you receive all important communication from the U.S. government. Always keep your address up-to-date, file AR-11 on time, and remind friends or family who are green card holders to do the same. If you are ever unsure about your status or have immigration questions, it is a good idea to reach out to a trusted legal advisor or visit USCIS for more help.

Summary:
Green card holders are required by law to report every change of address to USCIS using Form AR-11 or their online USCIS account within 10 days after moving. There are clear instructions on how to file online or by mail, and each person in a family must submit their own update. Failing to follow this rule can mean fines, jail, or removal from the United States 🇺🇸. Only U.S. citizens, certain diplomats, and visa waiver visitors are exempt. Keep proof of every update, and check the USCIS website for the latest forms and rules. Reporting your address change on time is an easy way to stay in good standing and avoid legal trouble.

Learn Today

Green card holder → A person granted lawful permanent residence in the United States, also known as a lawful permanent resident.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency responsible for handling immigration requests and maintaining immigration records.
AR-11 → The Alien’s Change of Address Card, the official USCIS form used to report address changes for non-U.S. citizens.
Conditional green card → A green card valid for two years, usually granted through marriage or investment, requiring additional steps to remove conditions.
A-number → An Alien Registration Number, a unique identification number assigned to non-citizens by the U.S. government.

This Article in a Nutshell

Green card holders are legally required to notify USCIS of every address change within 10 days. Use the AR-11 form or online account; each person, including children, must file separately. Missing this step can cause legal trouble. Always keep proof, file promptly, and check USCIS for official updates and tools.
— By VisaVerge.com

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