Changing an address with the various Federal immigration components can be confusing, and failure to properly make an address change can lead to denials and other adverse immigration consequences. The Ombudsman's Office encourages immigration benefits applicants and petitioners to promptly notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), the U.S. Department of State (DOS), and/or the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) of any change in address. Mail forwarding is not always rapid or reliable.
USCIS, DOS, EOIR and DOL have separate procedures, filing locations, and timeframes for submitting an address change. A change of address should be reported for each application type, petition, case, and family member with each government agency from which an immigration benefit is being sought. Applicants should use the most permanent address available.
The Ombudsman's Office recommends keeping copies of all correspondence sent to USCIS, using certified, registered, or return receipt mail to ensure documentation of the mailing.
| USCIS | Department of State | EOIR | EOIR Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who Should Report a Change of Address? | |||
| All applicants, petitioners, and beneficiaries are required by law to report a change of address to USCIS. | All petitioners and applicants for consular processing are encouraged to report address changes with DOS to either the National Visa Center (NVC) or the appropriate consulate. | Persons with cases pending before an immigration court or the BIA must report a change to EOIR. | |
| Time to Report | |||
| Within 10 days of the address change. | Immediately to avoid delays. | Within 5 working days of the change. | |
| How to Report a Change of Address | |||
| Online: USCIS Online Change of Address
By mail: Form AR-11, Change of Address Card (PDF, 1 page - 526 KB)* *Applicants who mail in Form AR-11 must also report the change of address to the National Customer Service Center by calling 1-800-375-5283 |
NVC By Email: nvcinquiry@state.gov By Mail: see address below) By Phone: (603) 334-0700 or Email your local consulate: U.S. Consulate Listing |
By mail: Form EOIR-33/IC*
*Government Counsel must receive copies of the change of address to satisfy proof of notice requirements. Government Counsel information can be found in the court file or by contacting the court clerk where the case is pending |
By mail: Form EOIR-33/BIA (PDF, 2 pages - 26.42 KB)*
*Also file a change of address with the corresponding immigration court because BIA cases are sometimes remanded to court |
| Mailing Addresses | |||
| USCIS Attn: Change of Address 1344 Pleasants Dr. Harrisonburg, VA 22801* *Please note the change in filing location for Change of Address Forms from London, KY to Harrisonburg, VA, as of April 1, 2011. USCIS is no longer forwarding Change of Address forms to the new location |
Department of State National Visa Center Attn: CMR 31 Rochester Ave. Suite 100 Portsmouth, NH 03801-2914 |
EOIR Immigration Court Listing* *File with the court location where your case is currently pending |
Board of Immigration Appeals Office of the Clerk P.O. Box 8530 Falls Church, VA 22041 Hand delivery, courier, same day delivery, overnight, or express delivery (including U.S. Postal Service express mail) should be sent to: Board of Immigration Appeals |
Where can I find additional information about changing my address?
- USCIS Customer Guide on How to Change An Address (PDF, 2 pages - 1.2 MB)
- USCIS Change of Address Information
- New Filing Location for Change of Address Forms
- DOS Visa Contact Information
- EOIR Forms
This page was last reviewed / modified on July 28, 2011.
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