What is AR-11?
If you are a non-citizen living in the United States, it is important to update your address with the government. You can do this by filling out the AR-11 form within ten days of moving.
The purpose of Form AR-11 is to maintain accurate records and communication with USCIS and ensure that important notices and documents are mailed to the correct address. It is crucial to submit the AR-11 form quickly and keep USCIS informed and updated if your address changes. Failure to do so can result in serious consequences, including the loss of immigration benefits and legal status.
This article will explore the guidelines for filing Form AR-11, the AR-11 confirmation number, the duration process, etc.
Where to File Form AR-11?
To file Form AR-11 for a change of address, you can conveniently do it online through the USCIS website. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide:
- Visit the USCIS website and click on the “Change of Address” link.
- Create an account or log in to your existing USCIS online account.
- Follow the instructions provided to complete the form electronically.
- Submit the form online and wait for a confirmation message to ensure it was successfully submitted.
- By following these steps, you can easily update your address with USCIS using the online filing option.
Note: If you prefer to file Form AR-11 by mail instead of online, you can find the right address to send the form to by visiting the USCIS website or by calling the USCIS Contact Center. Make sure to determine the correct mailing address based on your specific situation before sending the form.
Guidelines for Filing Form AR-11
Here are some important guidelines to follow while filing Form AR-11:
1. File the form online: It’s recommended to submit the form online through your USCIS online account for easier address updates.
2. Submit the form on time: You must submit Form AR-11 within 10 days of moving to a new address, except if you are an A or G visa holder or a visa waiver visitor.
3. Provide accurate and complete information: Fill out all required details accurately and completely to avoid application delays or denials
4. Submit the form electronically: The fastest and most convenient way to file Form AR-11 is through the USCIS website’s electronic submission option.
5. Keep a copy of the form: Make sure to keep a copy of the completed form, along with any confirmation or receipt received from USCIS, for your records.
6. Update other agencies: Remember to update your address with other relevant agencies, such as the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) if you have an active or pending court case, and the U.S. Postal Service to ensure mail reaches your new address.
Note (AR-11 form pdf): This is Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card, which you can download and use to report your change of address to USCIS – Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card (uscis.gov)
AR-11 Filing Fee
Updating your address with USCIS by filing Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card, is a free service. There is no fee involved in the process of updating your address with USCIS.
Who should update USCIS regarding the change in address?
- For Non-US Citizens on Visa:
If you are a non-US citizen with a temporary visa and have been living in the US for more than 29 days, it is necessary to inform USCIS about any address changes.
- For Permanent Residents or Green Card Holders:
All Green Card holders must update their address with USCIS.
- For US Citizens:
US citizens who have submitted Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support for a foreign national (This form demonstrates sufficient financial support for most family-based and some employment-based immigrants to ensure they won’t be depending on government) the citizens are required to notify USCIS of any changes to their address.
Who is exempted from notifying USCIS regarding the change of address?
There are three categories of individuals exempt from the requirement to inform USCIS of an address change:
- Diplomats with A visas: If you hold an A visa as a diplomat, you are exempt from notifying USCIS about address changes.
- Official government representatives with G visas: Individuals who are official government representatives to international organizations and possess G visas are also exempt from the address change notification requirement.
- Certain non-immigrants staying less than 30 days: If you are a non-immigrant without a visa and your stay in the US is less than 30 days, you are not required to inform USCIS about address changes.
Note: If you do not belong to any of these categories, it is mandatory for you to notify USCIS of any changes in your address.
When to File Form AR-11
You are required to file Form AR-11 in the following situations:
- Moving to a new address: If you are a non-U.S. citizen or a permanent resident and you move to a new address, you must submit Form AR-11 within 10 days of your move.
- Change in mailing address: If you have changed your mailing address, it is necessary to file Form AR-11 to update your address with USCIS.
Note: Please note that it is crucial to submit Form AR-11 in a timely manner to ensure that USCIS has your correct address and to avoid any consequences related to your immigration status.
What is Form AR-11 Confirmation Number?
The Form AR-11 confirmation number is a unique code given to individuals who have submitted Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Once you submit Form AR-11, USCIS will send you a confirmation notice containing a specific confirmation number. This number serves as evidence that you have informed USCIS about your address change. It is essential to keep this confirmation number safe and easily accessible, as you may need to provide it to USCIS in the future.
To check the status of your AR-11 form, you can use the “Case Status Online” tool on the USCIS website. Simply enter your AR-11 confirmation number, which you received upon submission, and the tool will provide you with the current status of your AR-11, including whether it has been received and processed by USCIS. If you encounter any difficulties or require assistance with the AR-11 form, you may consider seeking help from an immigration lawyer or consultant.
Where can I find the Form AR-11 number?
The AR-11 number is a unique number assigned to individuals who submit a change of address form (Form AR-11) to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
When you submit Form AR-11 to USCIS, they will send you an acknowledgment letter that includes your AR-11 number. This letter is typically mailed to the address you provided on Form AR-11. It is important to keep this letter safe, as it contains your AR-11 number, which serves as a reference for your change of address submission.
What is the Processing Time for AR-11?
When you submit Form AR-11 to report a change of address to USCIS, the processing time can vary depending on various factors, including the number of applications being processed. On average, it takes approximately 2-3 weeks for USCIS to process the form and update your address in their records. However, in certain situations, it may take longer due to issues with the provided information or processing delays.
To ensure prompt processing of your address change, it is important to submit Form AR-11 as soon as possible after you move and ensure that all the information you provide is accurate and complete. USCIS will send you an acknowledgment letter within 2-3 weeks of receiving your form. This letter will confirm your change of address notification and provide you with an AR-11 Confirmation Number for reference.
Note: If you haven’t received an acknowledgment letter or confirmation of your address change within a reasonable time frame, you can contact USCIS’ National Customer Service Center to inquire about the status of your case.
Importance of Filing Form AR - 11
When you move to a new address within the United States as a non-U.S. citizen, it is important to follow these guidelines:
- Ensure that you update your address with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) so that you receive important notices and documents.
- If you have an active or pending immigration court case with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), you must also update your address with them.
- It is crucial to report a change of address within 10 days of moving as a non-U.S. citizen to avoid potential immigration consequences.
- If you have filed a Form I-751 abuse waiver in the past or if you are a victim of domestic violence, trafficking, or other crime, it may be necessary for you to submit a paper AR-11 form to report any changes in your address.
Consequences of not Filling Form AR-11 Properly
Not filling out the AR-11 form correctly can result in various consequences, including:
1. Missed notifications: Failure to notify USCIS of your address change can cause you to miss important updates and notifications related to your immigration status. This can lead to missed deadlines, delayed processing, or even application denials.
2. Fines and penalties: Neglecting to report your change of address is a violation of the law and can result in fines and penalties. These penalties can range from $200 to potential jail time, especially if you repeatedly fail to report address changes.
3. Problems with future applications: Incorrectly completing Form AR-11 can create difficulties with future immigration applications. USCIS may interpret your failure to report your address change accurately as a lack of credibility or attention to detail, which may adversely affect your chances of approval for future applications.
4. Immigration consequences: If you are a non-citizen and fail to notify USCIS of your change of address properly, it can also have immigration consequences. USCIS may view your failure to report your address as a violation of your immigration status, which can lead to deportation proceedings.
How Kodem Law Can Help you
Kodem Law attorneys can assist you with reviewing Form AR-11 to ensure accuracy and completeness. Contact us today for future assistance: 888-955-6634 or info@kodemlaw.com
Hello Kodem Law,
1- I submitted the USCIS’s AR-11 change of address form online yesterday, and I still haven’t received the AR-11 confirmation number email.
2- What is the difference between the AR-11 confirmation number they send you by email and the acknowledgment letter with the AR-11 number they send you to your new address?
Thank you.
Hello Salman!
If you haven’t received the email, please check your spam/junk folder. For additional assistance or queries, feel free to reach out to us at info@kodemlaw.com we are here to assist you. We address these questions in our “Question of the Day” segment, posted every Thursday. Please make sure to check it out in our LinkedIn Posts
My new address is 29 summit rd Needham ma 02492
Hello! For more information, you can contact us at:
(888)-955-6634
info@kodemlaw.com
I did changed my alien’s address and up to present, I haven’t received an confirmation email at all