Who Needs to File Form AR-11?
All noncitizens in the United States must file Form AR-11 within 10 days of moving, except for those who hold A or G visas (diplomatic and international organization employees and their family members) and those who entered the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This includes permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, nonimmigrant visa holders (such as students, workers, tourists, etc.), and undocumented immigrants. Even if you have applied for U.S. citizenship or are planning to leave the United States soon, you still need to file Form AR-11 until your status changes or you depart.
What Happens If You Don't File Form AR-11?
Failing to file Form AR-11 is a violation of U.S. immigration law and may result in serious consequences. You may face a fine, imprisonment, removal (deportation), or denial of future immigration benefits. You may also miss important notices and documents from USCIS, such as appointment notices, approval notices, requests for evidence, or notices of intent to deny or revoke. This may cause delays or complications in your immigration case. Therefore, it is very important that you file Form AR-11 as soon as possible after moving.
How to Download Form AR-11 Online
Step 1: Visit the USCIS Website
The easiest way to download Form AR-11 is to visit the USCIS website and go to the Forms section. There you can find Form AR-11 under the All Forms category. You can also use the search box to type in "AR-11 " and click on the form name. You can download the form as a PDF file and print it out or fill it out on your computer.
Step 2: Choose Your Filing Method
Once you have downloaded Form AR-11, you need to decide whether you want to file it online or by mail. Filing online is faster, easier, and more secure than filing by mail. You can also update your address on multiple pending applications, petitions, or requests at once. However, if you prefer to file by mail, you can do so by following the instructions on the form.
Step 3: Fill Out and Submit Form AR-11 Online or by Mail
To fill out Form AR-11 online, you need to create a free USCIS online account or log in to your existing account. Then, you need to follow the steps on the screen to enter your personal information, your previous address, your new address, and the receipt numbers of any pending applications, petitions, or requests that you have with USCIS. You also need to agree to the terms and conditions and submit the form electronically. You will receive a confirmation email and a confirmation number for your records.
To fill out Form AR-11 by mail, you need to use black ink and write clearly. You need to provide your name, date of birth, country of birth, country of citizenship, alien registration number (A-number), previous address, new address, and the form number of any pending application, petition, or request that you have with USCIS. You also need to sign and date the form and mail it to the address indicated on the form. You should keep a copy of the form and the mailing receipt for your records.
How to Update Your Address on Pending or Recently Approved Applications
Option 1: Use Your USCIS Online Account
If you have a USCIS online account, you can use it to update your address on any pending or recently approved applications that you have filed online or that you have received a receipt notice for. You can do this by logging in to your account and going to the Case Status section. There you can find your case history and select the cases that you want to update. You can also use the Change of Address tool in your account to update multiple cases at once.
Option 2: Call the USCIS Contact Center
If you do not have a USCIS online account or if you have filed your applications by mail or in person, you can call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) to update your address on any pending or recently approved applications. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, A-number, receipt number, previous address, and new address. You should also have a pen and paper ready to write down any confirmation number or instructions that you receive from the representative.
Option 3: Submit a Written Request by Mail
If you prefer to update your address by mail, you can submit a written request to the USCIS office that is processing your application. You can find the address of the office on your receipt notice or on the USCIS website. You should include your name, date of birth, A-number, receipt number, previous address, new address, and a copy of your Form AR-11 confirmation (if you filed it online) or Form AR-11 itself (if you filed it by mail). You should also sign and date the request and keep a copy for your records.
Tips for Filing Form AR-11 Successfully
File Within 10 Days of Moving
The law requires that you file Form AR-11 within 10 days of moving to a new address. This means that you should file it as soon as possible after you move and not wait until the last minute. This will help you avoid any potential penalties or problems with your immigration case.
Provide Accurate and Complete Information
When filling out Form AR-11, make sure that you provide accurate and complete information about yourself and your new address. Do not leave any fields blank or enter false or misleading information. This could result in delays, denials, or revocations of your immigration benefits.
Keep a Copy of Your Submission Confirmation
Whether you file Form AR-11 online or by mail, you should always keep a copy of your submission confirmation for your records. This will serve as proof that you have complied with the law and updated your address with USCIS. You may need to show this confirmation if you are asked about it by USC IS officers or immigration judges. You should also keep a copy of any other documents that you submit or receive from USCIS related to your address change.
Conclusion
Changing your address with USCIS is a legal requirement for all noncitizens living in the United States, except for some exceptions. To do so, you need to file Form AR-11, Alien's Change of Address Card, within 10 days of moving. You can download Form AR-11 online from the USCIS website and file it online or by mail. You also need to update your address on any pending or recently approved applications that you have with USCIS. You can do this by using your USCIS online account, calling the USCIS Contact Center, or submitting a written request by mail. Filing Form AR-11 and updating your address will help you avoid any penalties or problems with your immigration case and ensure that you receive important notices and documents from USCIS.
FAQs
Q: How much does it cost to file Form AR-11?
A: There is no fee to file Form AR-11. It is free of charge.
Q: How long does it take to process Form AR-11?
A: If you file Form AR-11 online, it will be processed immediately and you will receive a confirmation email. If you file Form AR-11 by mail, it may take several weeks to process and you will not receive a confirmation.
Q: Do I need to file Form AR-11 for each member of my family?
A: Yes, if you have any family members who are also noncitizens living in the United States, you need to file Form AR-11 for each of them separately. You cannot include multiple people on one form.
Q: Do I need to notify anyone else about my address change?
A: Besides USCIS, you may also need to notify other government agencies or organizations about your address change, such as the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of State, the Department of Motor Vehicles, your bank, your employer, your school, etc. You should check with each of them to find out their requirements and procedures for changing your address.
Q: Where can I get more information or assistance about filing Form AR-11?
A: You can get more information or assistance about filing Form AR-11 from the USCIS website, the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833), or an immigration attorney or accredited representative.
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