Form AR-11 is how most noncitizens report a new address to USCIS, and the law gives you just 10 days from moving to do it. It's free and can be filed online in minutes. The catch: filing AR-11 alone does not update the address on a pending application — if you have a case in progress, you must also update that case separately, or your notices go to the old address.
What Form AR-11 Is
Form AR-11, "Alien's Change of Address Card," satisfies a legal requirement: most noncitizens in the United States must notify USCIS of an address change within 10 days of moving. It's a short form, but the deadline is real — failing to report can carry consequences for your immigration status, so it's worth doing promptly rather than perfectly.
Who Has to File AR-11?
The reporting duty applies broadly to noncitizens present in the U.S., including lawful permanent residents and people with pending applications, with limited exceptions (such as certain diplomats and visitors here very briefly). If you're unsure whether it applies to you, the safe assumption is that it does — the form is free and quick, and over-reporting has no downside.
How to File Form AR-11
- File online at uscis.gov — the fastest route, and it updates your address in the USCIS system immediately.
- Enter your details. Your name, date of birth, country of birth, A-Number (if you have one), and both your old and new addresses.
- Submit within 10 days of the move. Save the confirmation for your records.
Does AR-11 update my pending application's address?
Not by itself — this is the mistake that causes people to miss interview notices and RFEs. Form AR-11 updates your address in the general USCIS system, but a pending case (like an I-765 or I-485) keeps its own address of record. You must update the address on each pending case separately, through your USCIS online account or the change-of-address process for that application, so time-sensitive notices reach you.
Is Form AR-11 free?
Yes. There is no filing fee for Form AR-11, whether you file online or by mail. Any service charging to "file your change of address with USCIS" is billing for something you can do yourself in a few minutes at no cost.