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Changing homes in the United States involves much more than boxes and contracts. For those with an ongoing immigration process, there is a legal obligation that cannot be overlooked: notify the appropriate immigration agencies of the change of address.
This step is not just a bureaucratic formality, as ignoring it can have serious consequences:
-Do not receive notifications of hearings or interviews.
-Missing key deadlines and having your case closed or denied.
-In cases of a hearing, even receiving a deportation order in absentia for "failure to appear."
At a time when organizations like the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) have warned that ICE may be monitoring social media of individuals in the immigration process, keeping your information accurate in official records is also a way to protect your case, as highlighted by a recent report from Univision.
USCIS: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles most processes: applications for residency, naturalization, TPS, DACA, family visas, work permit renewals, among others.
Legal deadline:
Most foreign nationals must notify USCIS of their new address within 10 days of moving. This does not apply to those with diplomatic visas (A or G) or visitors with a visa waiver.
The fastest way: online
USCIS recommends doing this as soon as you settle in, and, whenever possible, electronically. The preferred method is the Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) tool, available within your USCIS account.
Advantages of this system:
-You fulfill the legal requirement to notify the move.
-The change is processed immediately.
-You do not have to submit the AR-11 form on paper.
-Allows you to add the receipt number for each pending case, ensuring that all your files remain updated.
Steps to do it online:
-Log in to your USCIS account and select the “Change of Address” option.
-Enter your new address using the format and abbreviations recommended by the USPS (this helps avoid delivery errors).
-Enter each receipt number (Receipt Number) corresponding to your pending requests.
- Save the confirmation of the change.
Why isn't it enough to notify USPS?
Changing your address with the Postal Service (USPS) does not update the one that USCIS has on record.
In addition, the postal service will not forward immigration correspondence, even if you have forwarding activated with USPS. Therefore, you need to update your information in both systems.
Change the email address
If you can't do it online, you can send the paper AR-11 Form. This meets the legal requirement, but it does not automatically update all your cases.
If you have several procedures, you will need to request the update for each one.
Special procedures
Some people must follow different protocols to protect their address, such as:
-VAWA beneficiaries.
Visa applicants T or U.
-Those who file the I-751 due to abuse.
In these cases, do not use the standard online system. First, call the USCIS Contact Center and request specific instructions.
It is advisable to use a “safe address” or your lawyer's address.
Immigration Court (EOIR)
If you have a pending case before an immigration judge, your file is under the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).
Deadline:
You must notify your change of address within 5 business days following the move.
How to do it:
Online: Fill out and submit the EOIR-33 form through the official portal.
By mail: Send the EOIR-33 to your court's address and to the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor of DHS (OPLA). Each family member with their own case must submit their own form.
Advice:
Always check your next hearing by calling 800-898-7180 or by checking online with your number A. This way, you can confirm that your address has been updated and that there are no changes to your schedule.
ICE: Enforcement and Removal Office (ERO)
If you are under ICE supervision —for example, with a pending order, during “check-ins,” or in programs like ISAP— you must report your change immediately.
How to do it: Use the ICE address change portal.
Call or present yourself in person at your local office with: Identification; Number A, and proof of your new residence.
Sponsors (Form I-864)
If you signed an Affidavit of Support for an immigrant, you are legally obligated to submit Form I-865 to USCIS within 30 days of your move, even if your immigration status has not changed.
Moving away from your court
If you move outside the jurisdiction of your court, you can request a change of venue (Motion to Change Venue), attaching:
-EOIR-33 form with your new address.
-Proof of your residence (lease agreement, utility bill, etc.).
The change is not automatic: a judge must approve it.
Common mistakes that cause problems
-Trust USPS to update addresses with immigration agencies.
-Forget to include all the receipt numbers in the online change.
-Notify one agency but not another (for example, update with USCIS but not with EOIR).
-Present the notification after the deadline: USCIS (10 days), EOIR (5 business days), ICE (immediate), I-864 sponsors (30 days).
-Do not verify if the change has been recorded.
How to confirm that your change has been processed
USCIS: Check your account to ensure that each pending case has the correct address.
EOIR: Call 800-898-7180 or check your hearing online.
ICE: Confirm with your officer and keep a copy of the certificate.
Frequently asked questions about address changes and immigration processes in the U.S.
Why is it important to notify USCIS of a change of address?
It is crucial to notify USCIS of a change of address to avoid missing important notices regarding hearings, interviews, or deadlines for immigration processes. Failing to do so could result in the closure or denial of your case, or even an order of deportation in absentia.
What is the deadline for notifying USCIS of a change of address?
Most foreigners must notify USCIS of their new address within 10 days after moving. This deadline does not apply to holders of diplomatic visas (A or G) or to visitors with visa waivers.
Is changing my address with USPS enough to update my immigration information?
No, changing your address with USPS does not automatically update your information with USCIS. The postal service will not forward immigration correspondence, so you need to update your information in both systems to ensure you receive important notifications.
How can I notify USCIS of my change of address?
You can notify your change of address to USCIS online using the Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) tool available in your USCIS account. You also have the option to submit Form AR-11 on paper if you are unable to do it electronically, although this method is slower and does not automatically update all of your cases.
What should I do if I have an open case before an immigration judge?
If you have a case before an immigration judge, you must notify the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) within 5 business days following your move. You can do this by filling out and submitting the EOIR-33 form online or by mail to your court's address and to the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor of DHS (OPLA).
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