What is Form AR-11?

Keeping your address up-to-date with USCIS is a crucial part of maintaining your immigration status. Form AR-11, also known as the Alien's Change of Address Card (https://www.uscis.gov/ar-11), is the official document used to make a USCIS Change of Address notice.

Whether you're a student, worker, or permanent resident, you're required to inform USCIS within 10 days of moving to a new address if you'll be in the U.S. for more than 30 days.

This guide will walk you through the process of filing Form AR-11, explaining who needs to file it, when to file, and how to submit a USCIS Change of Address.

Form AR-11, also known as the Alien’s Change of Address Card, is an official USCIS form that non-U.S. citizens need to fill out whenever they move to a new address in the United States. Form AR-11 is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for managing lawful immigration to the United States.

If you’re living in the U.S. for more than 30 days and you change your address, you have to let the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) know within 10 days.

Submitting a USCIS Change of Address (https://www.uscis.gov) makes sure all your immigration records are up-to-date and you continue to receive important mail, like notices about your immigration status or upcoming appointments.

Information Needed for AR-11 (USCIS Change of Address)

Before submitting Form AR-11, make sure you have all the required details ready. USCIS uses this information to verify your identity and accurately update your record in their information system.

Here's a list of what you need to include:

Personal Information:

• Full name (first, middle, and last names)
• Date of birth
• Country of birth

Contact Information:

• Current residential address (the address you are moving from)
• New residential address (the address you are moving to)
• Email address (optional but helpful for confirmation!)

Identification Information:

• Alien Registration Number (A-Number), if applicable
• USCIS Online Account Number, if you have one

Immigration Status:

• Your current immigration status (e.g., F-1 student, H-1B worker, etc.)
• Date of last entry into the United States (if applicable)
• Port of entry where you last entered the United States (if applicable)

Family Information (if applicable):

• Information about your dependents or family members who are also non-U.S. citizens and living with you, such as their full names and A-Numbers.

Additional Details:

• The date you moved to your new address

Note: Be sure to list both your mailing address and your physical residence, especially if you receive mail at a different location.

What is A number for Form AR-11?

An A-Number (Alien Registration Number) is a unique identification number assigned to certain non-U.S. citizens. If you have an A-Number, you may be asked to provide it when submitting Form AR-11.

Not everyone has an A-Number. If you do not have one, you can typically leave that field blank when filing your USCIS Change of Address.

If you’re unsure whether you have an A-Number, check prior USCIS notices, documents, or your immigration paperwork where it may be listed.

USCIS may use identifying information like your A-Number and/or your USCIS Online Account Number to locate and update your records accurately.

When to Make a USCIS Change of Address and File Form AR-11

If you are a non-U.S. citizen living in the United States, you generally must report a change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving if you will be in the U.S. for more than 30 days.

This requirement can apply to many immigration categories, including permanent residents, students, and temporary visa holders.

Timely address updates help ensure you receive USCIS notices, appointment letters, and other time-sensitive communications.

Failing to report a new address can lead to missed mail, delayed benefits, or other complications in pending cases.

Some people may have additional obligations to update address information for pending applications or petitions, depending on their situation.

If you have a case pending, it’s important to confirm that your address update applies to each pending matter where USCIS correspondence will be sent.

If you move frequently or have multiple residences, make sure USCIS has your correct mailing address and physical address as applicable.

If you are unsure whether the reporting requirement applies to you, review USCIS guidance and/or consult counsel for advice tailored to your status.

How to Submit USCIS Change of Address

Changing your address with USCIS is a straightforward process, but it’s important to do it right to keep everything running smoothly.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for both non-U.S. citizens and U.S. citizens:

Non-U.S. citizens generally submit a USCIS Change of Address using Form AR-11.

You can typically file online (often faster and easier to track) or mail a paper form.

If you have pending applications or petitions, you may need to ensure your address is updated for each pending case, not only through AR-11.

Keep confirmation of your update for your records (especially if you file online).

If you mail a paper form, consider a trackable mailing method and keep proof of delivery.

If you have a USCIS online account, make sure your account profile and any active case settings reflect the new address.

If you’re a U.S. citizen updating an address for a matter with USCIS, the method may differ depending on the filing type and the specific case.

Always verify USCIS instructions for your situation using official USCIS resources.

How to Make USCIS Change of Address Online

You can file Form AR-11 online through your USCIS account for instant confirmation.

The online option is typically faster and easier to track than mailing a paper form.

Follow USCIS instructions carefully to ensure your change of address is correctly submitted and associated with any pending cases.

How long does form AR-11 take?

Processing time for Form AR-11 can vary. If you submit your change of address online, you may receive confirmation immediately.

Even after submission, it can take time for the change to propagate across USCIS systems and for pending cases to reflect the update.

If you mailed a paper AR-11, delivery time and USCIS intake time can add additional delay.

To reduce risk, submit your update promptly after moving and keep documentation of your submission.

If you have upcoming appointments or deadlines, consider updating as early as possible and monitoring your case communications closely.

How to Check the Status of Your USCIS Change of Address Request

If you filed online, you may be able to confirm submission in your USCIS account and retain a confirmation for your records.

If you have pending cases, check whether your receipt notices and case updates reflect the new address over time.

If you mailed your form, keep proof of delivery and consider allowing additional processing time before expecting updates in the system.

If you believe your address has not been updated correctly, consult official USCIS guidance and consider follow-up steps based on your filing method.

Do I need an immigration attorney to file AR11?

Many people can file Form AR-11 without an attorney, especially when their situation is straightforward.

However, if you have pending filings, complex status issues, or concerns about deadlines or notices, legal guidance may help reduce risk and ensure all related updates are completed correctly.