USCIS Announces Online Address Change Notification System
Posted Jan 19, 2007
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The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has initiated an online address-change system. This system serves two purposes, besides enforcing and streamlining the process for better efficiency and national security. First, it replaces the need for filing a paper AR-11 Change-of-Address card. This notification is required by law, within ten days of relocation, for almost all non-U.S. citizens who are in the United States more than 29 days. Second, it allows an individual with pending immigration filings to notify the USCIS of an address change so that notices and documents are sent to the correct address. More information, including access to the online system, is available on the USCIS WebSite.
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AR-11 Filing Required by Law
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The AR-11 requirement has been reported in earlier articles. This old law on the books made it compulsory for most people, including permanent residents (green card holders), to file Form AR-11. This requirement often went ignored, however. Post 9/11 the filing of AR-11 gained new attention, with the government placing emphasis on the need to follow the requirement. Since failure to comply with the AR-11 continues to be a removable (deportable) offense, MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers have been advised to comply and retain proof of their compliance. The new, online AR-11 should make this easier. At the end of the online process, the individual is allowed to print the completed form. The USCIS advises, as do we at the Murthy Law Firm, that it is best to print the form, sign and date it, and keep it in a safe place.
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It is still possible to file the paper AR-11. This does not, however, serve the purpose of updating the USCIS records connected to any pending filings. Therefore, whenever possible, it is best to use the online system.
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Pending Applications / Petitions to be Updated More Easily
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The online change of address serves the dual purpose of allowing the filing of the AR-11 as well as allowing one whose application or petition is pending to inform the USCIS of a change in address. The AR-11 filing alone does not update the address within the records for any pending filings. Thus, a second step must be taken, which can now be accomplished online. After filling the online AR-11, the system will take the individual through a series of prompts. The first asks if s/he has any pending applications or petitions and asks for the related information. Note that, if the individual has more than one application or petition pending, s/he will have to enter information for each, one at a time. The instructions state that it will not be necessary to reenter all the information for each form; just the additional receipt numbers and form numbers.
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Citizenship Applications Not Included
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The system does not allow address changes related to naturalization (citizenship, N-400) applications. Persons with naturalization applications pending can utilize the online AR-11 feature, but cannot link an updated address to their naturalization cases. These cases will be added, along with other features, at a later time. Meanwhile, naturalization applicants must call the USCIS toll free at 1.800.375.5283 to update their addresses.
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Overall Improvement
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This new system appears to be a significant improvement. It will, hopefully, save time and money for everyone. If it works properly, it also should help to eliminate the problems that arise when notices and documents are sent to old addresses.