Nearly everyone who is not a citizen of the United States is legally required to report a change of address to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 10 days of moving within the United States or any of its territories. The only people who do not need to report this move are diplomats, foreign government representatives, and some nonimmigrants without visas that are in the United States for less than 30 days.

If you are not a citizen and do not fall into one of the exempted groups, you need to complete Form AR-11, found online or at your local USCIS office, and submit it by mail or electronically to the federal branch of the USCIS. In addition, it is good practice to send an additional letter to your local USCIS outlining the new address and informing them of the change of address notification that is already being processed.

What happens if I forget to change my address?

If you have never informed USCIS of your new address, or have waited longer than the 10 days to inform USCIS of your new address, you can be punished in accordance with the law.

Failing to report your address is a misdemeanor crime that can result in:

• $200 fine
• 30 days in jail
• Deportation

Deportation can be prevented if you can prove that failing to report the change of address was reasonably excusable and that it will not done with a willful intent. While it is not likely that USCIS would deport a permanent resident based on the inability to update their address, there is the legal option to do so.

When you move within the United States, you are legally required to update your address with USCIS. Forgetting or failing to do so can be punished with fines, jail time, and even deportation. If you are worried about how reporting your address may affect your ability to live and work in the United States, contact an immigration attorney. Feiner & Lavy, P.C. Attorneys at Law offer free in-office consultations to discuss some of the preventative actions you can take.