What AR11 is and why you need it

Form AR11 is the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form for notifying the government that you have moved to a new address. If you are a noncitizen with a pending immigration case, an approved green card, or certain visa status, you are required by law to report your new address within 10 days of moving. The AR11 is how you do that.

The requirement exists because USCIS, the Department of Homeland Security, and immigration courts need to know where to send you official notices about your case. If you move and do not report it, you may miss court dates, interview appointments, or decisions about your status — and the government can proceed without you present.

You do not need AR11 if you are a U.S. citizen. Citizens report address changes to the U.S. Postal Service, their state's DMV, or the Social Security Administration, depending on the document. But if you hold a green card, are in removal proceedings, have a pending I-485 process, or are on certain visa types, AR11 is your responsibility.

Key Takeaways

  • Form AR11 must be filed within 10 days of moving to a new address if you are a noncitizen with immigration status or a pending case.
  • You can file AR11 online through the USCIS website, by mail to the address listed on the form, or in person at a USCIS office.
  • Online filing is the fastest and most reliable method; the USCIS website confirms receipt when ready.
  • You will need your A-number (Alien number), current address, new address, and the date you moved.
  • Failing to report an address change within 10 days can result in fines, case dismissal, or deportation proceedings.

How to file AR11 online

The online method is the fastest and leaves the clearest record. Go to the USCIS website and look for the "Change of Address" tool under the "Online Services" section. You will need to enter your A-number (the eight-digit number on your green card, notice of action, or other immigration document), your current address, your new address, and the date you moved.

The system will ask you to confirm your information and then submit. USCIS will display a confirmation number on screen when ready — write this down or take a screenshot. You will also receive an email confirmation if you provide an email address. This confirmation is proof that you filed, so keep it.

Online filing typically processes within one to two business days. USCIS will update its records, and any future notices will be sent to your new address. There is no fee for filing AR11.

Filing AR11 by mail

If you cannot file online or prefer to mail the form, read Form AR11 from the USCIS website or request it by phone. Fill it out by hand or type it. You will need your A-number, your old address, your new address, the date you moved, your signature, and the date you signed the form.

Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form itself — this varies by region and is printed at the bottom of the AR11. Include a copy for your records. Do not send the original to USCIS and keep a copy for yourself; send the original and keep a copy.

Mail filing takes longer — typically two to four weeks for USCIS to receive and process it. If you are moving soon and need confirmation quickly, online filing is safer. If you do mail it, consider using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery.

Filing AR11 in person at a USCIS office

You can also walk into a USCIS field office and file AR11 in person. Bring the completed form, your A-number, and a photo ID. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check the USCIS office locator on their website to find the office nearest you and see whether appointments are needed.

In-person filing gives you when ready confirmation and a receipt. However, wait times at USCIS offices are often long, and this method is usually slower than online filing unless you need to handle other matters at the same time.

What information you need to file

Before you start, gather these details: your A-number (Alien number), which appears on your green card, I-797 notice of action, or other USCIS document; your full legal name as it appears on your immigration documents; your old address; your new address; and the date you moved. If your name has changed since your last USCIS document, have a copy of the legal name change document (marriage certificate, court order, etc.) ready in case USCIS asks for it.

If you do not know your A-number, look it up on your green card (it is an eight-digit number), your I-797, your I-94, or any other USCIS notice. If you cannot find it, you can still file online by using your date of birth and passport number instead, though the A-number is preferred.

When to file and what happens if you miss the important date

You must file within 10 days of moving. The 10-day clock starts on the day you move, not the day you sign the lease or the day you receive keys. If you move on a Friday, you have until the following Monday to file (weekends do not extend the important date, but federal holidays do).

If you miss the 10-day window, file as soon as you realize it. Late filing is better than no filing. However, missing the important date can result in a fine of up to $200, and in serious cases — particularly if you are in removal proceedings — a missed address change can lead to a default judgment against you, case dismissal, or deportation proceedings if you miss a court date or interview.

If you are in active removal proceedings or have a pending case, notify your immigration attorney or representative when ready when you move, even before you file AR11. They may need to notify the immigration court separately.

Address changes for specific immigration situations

If you are in removal proceedings, you must also notify the immigration court of your address change. Filing AR11 with USCIS is not enough. Contact the immigration court directly or have your attorney file a notice of change of address with the court. The court address is listed on your notice to appear.

If you have a pending I-485 (green card process), I-130 (family petition), I-140 (employment-based petition), or other active case, AR11 updates USCIS's master file, and future notices will go to your new address. However, if your case is with a USCIS service center or field office, that office may send notices to your old address for a few weeks while the system updates. File AR11 as soon as you move to minimize this risk.

If you are on a visa (H-1B, L-1, F-1, etc.) and have not yet filed for a green card, check whether your visa category requires address reporting. Some visa holders must report to USCIS; others report to their employer or school. Consult your visa documentation or an immigration attorney if you are unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to file AR11 if I move within the same city?

Yes. The law requires you to report any change of address, regardless of distance. Even if you move across the street, you must file AR11 within 10 days. USCIS needs your exact address to send notices correctly.

What if I move multiple times in a short period?

File AR11 each time you move. If you move twice in one month, you file twice. Each filing updates your address in USCIS's system. If you know you will move again soon, file for your current address now and file again when you move.

Can someone else file AR11 for me?

Yes, a family member, attorney, or representative can file on your behalf using your A-number and information. However, you must sign the form if filing by mail. Online filing can be done by anyone with your A-number, though it is safest if you do it yourself or have your attorney do it.

What if I do not have an A-number?

If you have never filed with USCIS before, you may not have an A-number yet. In that case, you do not need to file AR11 — the requirement applies to people with existing immigration status or pending cases. If you are unsure, contact USCIS or an immigration attorney.

How long does it take USCIS to update my address after I file online?

Online filing is processed within one to two business days. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Mail filing takes two to four weeks. After processing, all future USCIS notices will be sent to your new address.