USPS forwarding is not a USCIS address change
USCIS says most noncitizens in the United States must report a change of address within 10 days of moving. The requirement does not apply to A and G visa holders or visa-waiver visitors. People with pending USCIS requests should update their address as soon as possible so notices and documents do not go to the wrong place.
Updating an address with the U.S. Postal Service does not update USCIS, and USCIS mail may not be forwarded. USCIS strongly encourages most people to use the Enterprise Change of Address tool inside a USCIS online account because it updates the agency's systems more quickly than a paper Form AR-11.
- Update both the physical and mailing address when the tool asks for them.
- Select every pending receipt number that should receive the new address.
- Save the confirmation and take a dated screenshot for your records.
- Update USPS separately; one notice does not replace the other.
Immigration court uses a separate system
If a person has a case before an immigration court or the Board of Immigration Appeals, changing an address with USCIS does not update EOIR. EOIR's Form EOIR-33 instructions say the appropriate court or the Board generally must receive the address change within five working days.
The EOIR form also includes proof-of-service requirements. A person should use the version for the correct immigration court or the Board, follow the filing instructions, and keep proof that both EOIR and the required government office received the notice.
- Check the hearing system after updating the address; never assume a hearing was canceled or moved.
- File a separate form for each person whose address changes when the instructions require it.
- Keep copies, delivery confirmation, and the date submitted.
- Missing a hearing can have severe consequences; seek legal help promptly if a notice was missed.
Some people have special procedures
USCIS provides separate protected-address procedures for VAWA self-petitioners, T and U applicants, and certain Form I-751 abuse-waiver cases. These applicants should follow the dedicated USCIS instructions rather than exposing a safe address through an ordinary channel.
A sponsor who submitted an enforceable Affidavit of Support may also have a separate duty to file Form I-865 within 30 days after moving. That sponsor obligation is different from an applicant's Form AR-11 responsibility.
- Use a safe device and mailing address when confidentiality is a concern.
- Do not place a full home address or immigration number in an ordinary contact form.
- Ask a licensed immigration attorney about conflicting addresses, missed notices, or pending court deadlines.