Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Why Non Citizens Need To Inform US Immigration Of Address Changes

By Pedro Montesino


All non US citizens are required to have their address recorded with USCIS and keep the USCIS informed of their current address.

It becomes very significant when you've got an application or petition pending with USCIS and are waiting to have notification of your decision.

In addition, USCIS might need to get in touch with you to provide other issued documents or return original copies of evidence you provided.

Exceptions: Aliens exempt from this requirement are diplomats and official government representatives.

In 2002, the US immigration and naturalization service (now called USCIS) astonished immigrants as well as advocates by beginning to enforce little-known provisions which make it a unlawful for immigrants not to submit immediate notification when they change address. The possible punishments include fines, imprisonment, or deportation. The immigration authorities largely ignored these legal provisions, however the terrorist attacks on New York changed this.

Being a green card holder, you need to take the appropriate steps to follow the requirements of this law. Within ten days to your move, advise USCIS using form AR-11. Be aware that you can't just send one notification per family (every member of your household will need an independent form submitted, by mail or online).

It is actually easier if you submit the form online. At uscis.gov. On the homepage, click "online change of address". The question regarding your last address refers simply to your last address in the states, not your last address on foreign soil. The address you submit really should be the place you actually live, not a PO Box or perhaps a work address. There isn't a fee for submitting form AR-11.

In addition, if you have any applications which are waiting for a decision you must separately file a modification of address. The modification needs to be filed at the USCIS office that is handling your application. Talk with your USCIS office for the procedures.

Imagine if well over ten days have passed and you haven't filled Form AR-11. What should you do? Most attorneys propose that you tell USCIS of the address change immediately, to demonstrate that you chose to make an attempt to comply with the law. The USCIS can forgive an inability to notify if this failure was unintentional.

Just like anything you send to USCIS, if you wish to mail your AR-11, be aware that there's the possibility it will go missing. Be sure to come produce a photocopy of your form and any notifications you send to other USCIS offices. Then mail everything by certified mail along with a return receipt. The return receipt is particularly important because USCIS won't send you any separate acknowledgement that it has received your form AR-11.




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