FAQs

Change of Address

If I change residences, do I need to notify CIS of my move/change of address?
Yes. Within 10 days of any change of address, even a temporary change of address, all non-U.S. citizens need to complete the Alien Change of Address Card (Form AR-11). The Form AR-11 can be completed and sent to CIS at the address noted on the form. A separate AR-11 must be completed for each non-U.S. citizen family member in the U.S. If it has been more than 10 days since your change of address, we still suggest that you file the AR-11. We recommend that you keep a copy of the form and send the form via certified mail/return receipt requested so that you have evidence of your compliance with the law. Form AR-11 is available on the CIS web site at http://www.uscis.gov/AR-11.

Is it possible to notify CIS of my move/change of address electronically?
Yes, staring in January 2007 the USCIS has added the option to allow individuals to file the Form AR-11 electronically. You can access the electronic version of the Form AR-11 at the web site listed above. When filing electronically you will receive a confirmation number indicating that the AR-11 was filed. Please print that confirmation along with the AR-11 to keep with your records.

What if I have already notified the local CIS office or the CIS Service Center of my new address?
This Form AR-11 change of address requirement is separate from any other change of address notification that must be provided to the CIS for any applications/petitions pending with the CIS. You must always submit the Form AR-11 when you change your residence.

Does everyone complete the same Change of Address Form?
No. Although most individuals (nonimmigrants and permanent residents) will complete the Form AR-11, if you were subject to Special Registration, you will need to complete the Form AR-11SR.

The change of address form requires me to select "Visitor", "Student", "Permanent Resident", or "Other". What do I do if I am not a student, permanent resident or visitor (e.g. H-1B, L-1)?
If you are not one of the categories specified, you should check "Other" and then write in your current status in the U.S. (e.g. H-1B, L-1). If you last entered the U.S. pursuant to Advance Parole, you should check "Other" and write in "Parolee/I-485 pending".

What is my "A" number?
Not all individuals have an "A" ("alien") number. If you are a permanent resident or have an adjustment of status application pending, the CIS will have issued an "A" number to you. It is a 9-digit number found on documents issued by the CIS, such as a Permanent Resident Card ("green card"), an I-485 Receipt Notice, an Advance Parole document, etc. If you are currently in the United States pursuant to H-1B or H-4 status and do not have an adjustment of status case pending, you will most likely not have an "A" number.

If I am a US Permanent Resident do I need to complete an AR-11 Form if I move?
Yes, all individuals in the United States who are not U.S. citizens need to complete an AR-11 form every time that they move/change residences.

What is my "port of entry into US"?
This is the airport or land border at which your immigration documents were reviewed/checked by an immigration officer that last time that you entered the US (e.g. Los Angeles airport, Vancouver airport, San Ysidro port of entry, etc.).

What is my "date of entry into US"?
This is the date that you most recently entered the United States.

What is the date of expiration of my stay in the United States if I am not a permanent resident?
This is the date of expiration listed on your most recent I-94 card. If you were last admitted to the US pursuant to an Advance Parole document, you may write the expiration of the I-94 card issued to you, along with the notation "I-485 pending".

How should I mail the AR-11 Form to the CIS if I choose not to file the AR-11 electronically?
We recommend that you keep a copy of the form and send the form via certified mail/return receipt requested so that you have evidence of your compliance with the law.

What if I am living in a hotel/motel or a friend's/relative's home for a few weeks or months before I move into my own/new residence or while I am on an assignment for work? Do I need to complete the AR-11 form?
Yes. You should complete and file the AR-11 form even for temporary living accommodations. The AR-11 form provides a space for you to indicate that the residence is temporary. You will then fill in the anticipated dates of stay at the temporary residence. If you will be staying at a hotel/motel during a work assignment, you should provide the hotel/motel address as your temporary residence.

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