Moving? Why You Must Update Your Address With Immigration
Changing your address is one of the easiest things to forget when you move — and in an immigration case, it can be one of the costliest. If immigration authorities can’t reach you, you can miss critical notices and even be ordered deported without ever knowing a hearing took place. Here’s what every immigrant needs to know.
One move, several agencies
There is no single form that updates your address everywhere. You must notify each agency that applies to your case separately. Filing Form AR-11 with USCIS does not update the Immigration Court (EOIR) or ICE.
Know your deadlines
USCIS — within 10 days. File Form AR-11 within 10 days of moving (required by law under INA § 265). File online at my.uscis.gov, and update the address on every pending application or petition using your receipt notice.
Immigration Court / Board of Immigration Appeals (EOIR) — within 5 business days. If you are in removal proceedings, file Form EOIR-33/IC online within 5 business days, one for every family member in the case, and send a copy to the ICE/DHS attorney.
ICE Office of the Principle Legal Advisor (OPLA) - within 5 business days. When you change your address the immigration court or the Board of Immigration Appeals, you must also update it with ICE OPLA.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations — promptly. If you are on supervision, bond, ATD/ISAP, or have a removal order, notify your ICE (ERO) officer right away and follow the deadline they gave you. You can also change your address online.
What’s at stake if you don’t
Failing to report a change of address isn’t a minor oversight. It can:
Cause you to miss a hearing notice — a judge can order you removed in your absence.
Lead to missed interviews, RFEs, or a lost work permit or green card in the mail. • Be a violation of immigration law on its own — and may make you deportable.
Jeopardize your bond, supervision, or pending case. A simple checklist when you move
Tell your attorney before you move, with your full new address.
Update USCIS, EOIR, and ICE — whichever apply to you.
Save every confirmation and keep a copy for your file.
Update your address with USPS so your mail is forwarded.
Questions about your case? If you’ve moved or are about to, don’t wait. Contact LFK Immigration PA at (305)363-2844 or team@lfkimmigration.com, and we’ll make sure your address is updated everywhere it needs to be.
